Kuniyoshi, Yasuo. CAFE NO. 2. Davis L-67. Lithograph, 1936. Edition of 100. Signed in pencil, and inscribed "Ed. 100." 12 1/2 x 9 7/8 inches image), 16 x 12 inches (sheet). Provenance, Colection of George and Dadee Burk, Maine. In excellent condition. "Cafe" and "Cafe No.2" are among Kuniyoshi's most sought-after prints.The following is exerpted from George Burk's Obituary:Born in Goshen, Ind., he was the first son of George and Julia Burk and older brother of Jerry Burk. He grew up fishing and hunting and was an Eagle Scout. He was mentored at Goshen High School by art teacher, Arthur Sprunger. He obtained his B.A. in fine arts at The Fort Wayne Art School and master's degree from Indiana University, where he studied with William Bailey and his mentor, Robert Laurent.George was a college professor for 50 years and taught studio art and art history at Louisiana State University; Nasson College, in Springvale; and the University of Southern Maine. Out of his many successful students rose the contemporary artist, Richard Prince.He established a personal family collection of art works and created an extensive art library. He was a passionate painter, printmaker, sculptor, and draftsman. He lived and taught in Italy for three years, where he painted the landscape and carved travertine stone.For years, his truck, a studio on wheels, was spotted on the side of the road, where he painted the salt marshes of Wells and Kennebunk.He was a curator and coordinated exhibitions at Louisiana State University, The Kansas City Art Institute, Nasson College, the University of New Hampshire, the University of Southern Maine, exhibiting works by Peggy Bacon, Fred Lynch, Lincoln Perry, Pat and DeWitt Hardy, Hal Carney, Robert Laurent, William Bailey, Rudy Pozzatti, Bevan Davies, Leland Bell, Mary B. Call, and Richard D'Abate, among others.His art work can be found in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Evansville Museum of Art, the Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, and numerous private and public collections.George was a naturalist and animal lover. With his cats and dog always nearby, he enjoyed watching Maine wildlife, backyard birds, ducks, turkeys, herons, and ravens.
