“Akira Kurosawa” (黒澤明), Original Japanese Memorial Calendar Poster for 1999, Printed c. 1998–1999, Illustration by T. Ueda, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — J11

This is an original Japanese B2 memorial calendar poster for 1999, honouring Akira Kurosawa, who died on 6 September 1998. Featuring a beautifully detailed portrait bearing the printed artist’s signature “T. UEDA ’98”, it brings together the director’s likeness, his filmography and the dates of his life in an elegant commemorative design.

The richly textured paper gives the illustration an especially tactile appearance, making this an attractive piece for collectors of Kurosawa, Japanese cinema and illustrated portrait posters.

A tribute to Kurosawa

A broad black band beneath the portrait records Kurosawa’s birth and death dates:

23 March 1910 — 6 September 1998

Along the left margin, a chronological sequence of Japanese film titles traces his directing career from Sanshiro Sugata (1943) to Madadayo (1993). The varied title lettering gives this column considerable visual character, recalling the individual identities of films made across five decades.

Among the titles are Rashomon, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, High and Low, Red Beard, Dersu Uzala, Kagemusha, Ran and Dreams. Together, they turn the portrait into a tribute to the body of work behind the familiar face.

A complete 1999 calendar, arranged in two rows of six months, occupies the bottom of the sheet.

The illustration

The outstanding feature is T. Ueda’s finely drawn portrait of Kurosawa, shown in later life wearing his trademark cap, dark glasses and a jacket with its collar raised.

Dense, delicate linework describes the folds of the cap, the white strands of hair and the substantial texture of the jacket. Lighter shading across the face creates a thoughtful expression, while the dark sunglasses and collar provide strong contrasts.

The portrait fills most of the sheet, with Kurosawa facing towards the film titles at the left. His name appears above them in flowing Roman lettering, balancing the smaller Japanese text below.

The cream-toned, visibly textured paper complements the drawing particularly well. Its irregular surface gives the monochrome image warmth and depth, preserving the intimate character of an illustration even at B2 scale.

The signature “T. UEDA ’98” appears beside the lower edge of the jacket. This is a printed signature within the artwork, dating the illustration to 1998.

Condition

Excellent+ condition. A beautifully preserved example with clear fine-line detail, strong dark printing and an attractive textured surface.

The paper’s pronounced texture is visible on both the front and reverse and forms an important part of its appearance.

Please review all photographs, including the reverse and signature detail, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm.
Calendar year: 1999. Artwork dated: 1998.
Stock code: J11.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.