When the American-born artist Clifton Karhu developed an interest in Finland, his parents' homeland, a large-scale exhibition of his art was held at the Retretti Museum in Punkarhajo. The late Prince Takamado, who with Princess Takamado enjoyed Karhu's work so much that a short, scheduled visit to one of his Japanese exhibitions had turned into several hours, made the journey 350 km north of Helsinki, bringing with him Finland's president. Such high-profile attention for the artist's woodblock prints ended up attracting 234,000 people -- 4 percent of Finland's population -- to the show.
Karhu, a chronicler of the Japan that may not always be here, died in Kyoto on March 24 at age 79 after a lengthy bout with liver cancer. A simple memorial service to celebrate his rich life and many accomplishments was held in his wife's residence on Saturday, April 7.
Kahru's works have been shown in virtually every department store in Japan -- considered prestigious venues here -- as well as throughout the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia. His collectors include the Cincinnati Art Museum; the East Asian Legal Studies Dept. at Harvard; the Honolulu Academy of Art; Salzburg's Kunst Museum; the Minneapolis Museum of Art; and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.