Masayuki Miyata's work - Illustration for "Five Women Who Loved Love" by Ihara Saikaku - Kirie (paper cutting) Kasamori Osen

This is a long description, so please bear with me and read it to the end.
This is an actual piece that was selected for an illustration in a novel by the late Mr. Imai, who was popular for his illustrations in novels during the Showa era. Both artists are now deceased, so new works will not be created, making this a valuable piece.
I directly met Mr. Miyata and learned that he used Echizen Washi paper and a specially made kodachi (small sword) forged from tamahagane (high-quality steel used for Japanese swords) to cut out the preliminary sketch before coloring, a meticulous process that results in the finished artwork. His works, with their sharp, distinct lines unlike those made with brushes, quickly made him famous. This piece was exhibited at a solo exhibition in a department store. The size of the artwork is 23cm x 32cm. I am listing this as part of my end-of-life preparations. To add, Mr. Imai was discovered by the renowned Showa-era literary giant Junichiro Tanizaki, and his works have been exhibited worldwide.

He established a unique world of Tosei-ga (sword-style painting) and was appointed as Japan's first UN-officially certified artist, receiving high acclaim internationally. His works are housed in institutions such as the United Nations, the White House, and the Vatican Museums. He also created the title art for the 1994 NHK historical drama Hana no Ran (The Ran of Flowers), dedicated a statue of Jianzhen Wajo to Tangshō-ji Temple in Nara, and held solo exhibitions across various department stores to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Matsuo Basho's Oku no Hosomichi journey. These exhibitions were reportedly very popular with attendees, and both the organizers and the stores celebrated their successful conclusion. For his cut-out art, he uses a small knife made from tamahagane, the same steel used for Japanese swords, and employs Echizen Washi paper from Fukui Prefecture. The brilliance of his work lies in the sharpness of the lines, which transform into magnificent curves depending on the subject. I believe he particularly captures an indescribable elegance when depicting women. As a poor student, I became captivated by Mr. Miyata's work after encountering it in a used bookstore in Kanda. It is truly painful to part with this treasured piece. However, I am listing it as part of my end-of-life preparations. I kindly ask for your understanding. I sincerely apologize for the excessive length. Thank you for reading to the end.