Hiroto Norikane (乗兼広人) — Shoji-21 (Gate) (2021)

Viewed through a dark shōji frame, a round “moon window” opens onto stone steps, a thatched gate, and autumn maple—Norikane’s signature mix of stillness and precision. This design is from the artist’s long-running Shoji series. Impressions are hand-pulled etchings with aquatint; your example is numbered out of 150 and dated 2021 in pencil (visible on some editions).  Sheet, numbered “19/150,” aligns with the 150-edition release.

Details

• Artist: Hiroto Norikane (b. 1949, Hiroshima)

• Title/Subject: Shoji-21 (Gate)

• Title (JP): 障子-21（門）

• Medium: Etching with aquatint on paper

• Date: 2021 (penciled on editioned sheets)

• Dimensions: Image c. 14 1/4 × 16 in. (per owner’s measure); comparable listings note image c. 16.25 × 14 in., sheet c. 20.5 × 17.75 in. 

• Edition: 150 (this impression from the 19/150 edition; variant listing of ed. 50 also exists)

• Signature/Markings: Pencil signature, date, edition; Japanese title noted by gallery records

Item Label

Shoji-21 (Gate)
障子-21（門）

Hiroto Norikane (乗兼広人), 2021
Etching with aquatint on paper
Dimensions: image 14 1/4 × 16 in. (plus margins)
Edition: 150

Museum Card

Shoji-21 (Gate)
障子-21（門）

Hiroto Norikane (乗兼広人), Japan, 2021
Etching with aquatint on paper
Dimensions: image 14 1/4 × 16 in. (plus margins)

A serene view framed by sliding shōji: through a circular opening, stone steps lead to a thatched gate beneath turning maples. Part of Norikane’s Shoji series, the composition uses fine etched line and soft aquatint tones to stage a quiet dialogue between interior and landscape. Edition of 150 recorded for this variant.