Collector Known As: Asymmetry 101

Asymmetry 101 has been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for eight years, drawn to the unique compositional balance and sensibility of ukiyo-e that resonates with his own practice as a fine artist working in painting and drawing. His appreciation goes beyond aesthetics; it extends to the narratives within the prints and the intricate complexities of composition that make ukiyo-e unlike any other art form.

Among his favorite artists are Kitagawa Utamaro, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Katsukawa Shunzan, and Katsushika Hokusai. Utamaro’s depictions of women are a particular favorite—especially his striking “tooth blackening” print, Beauty in a Northern Province, and the work titled Comb. (See examples below). Another beloved subject is the traditional game of Go, such as Utagawa Kunisada’s Watanabe no Tsuna and Sakata Kintoki Playing Go in a Room with Monsters.

For Asymmetry 101, collecting is as much about the pursuit of knowledge as it is about acquiring prints. He enjoysimmersing himself in the history and context of the works, researching the stories they tell, and honing an eye for detail. His advice for new collectors is:

"Familiarizing yourself with a lot of prints via libraries, galleries and museums can help you form your sensibility for what you may like to seek out.  Learning about the paper types they used can be helpful in identifying an authentic print."

Most of his collection has been built through reputable dealers, but Asymmetry 101 emphasizes the thrill of discovery in unexpected places. A few of his most cherished finds were uncovered while antiquing—proof that sometimes the joy of collecting lies not just in the art itself, but in the journey of finding it.

Some Favorite Prints: