Tainan Kokutai - A6M2 Zero

"Tainan Kokutai" by Artist Craig Tinder

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the early years depicts FP01c Saburo Sakai from the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai on 7 August 1942. This Limited Edition Canvas Print includes an extremely rare piece of wing aluminum skin from a Mitusbishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero that was recovered in the 1980s from Vunakanau Airfield Rabaul West in Papua New Guinea. 

Choose from 4 Different Types of Prints:

• A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" (45.7 cm x 30.5 cm) - ONLY 30 Prints
• *Add a wood Frame to the 18" x 12" Canvas WITH RELIC ($80 value!)
• B) Framed Canvas WITH RELIC - 30" x 20" (76.2 cm x 45.7 cm) - ONLY 20 Prints
• C) Paper Print - 18" x 12" (45.7 cm x 30.5 cm) - Relic Not Included
• D) Paper Print - 24" x 16" (60.9 cm x 40.6 cm) - Relic Not Included

Canvas WITH RELIC (Option A):

Medium 18" x 12" (45.7 cm x 30.5 cm) gallery-wrapped canvas print (unframed) comes ready-to-hang and includes an embedded fragment from an A6M2 Zero mounted on a beautifully engraved metallic data plate which outlines the details of the print and relic for all viewers to study. As an added touch, each canvas art piece is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder and includes a metallic, Certificate of Authenticity for added provenance and collectibility.

*Prefer a solid wood frame with your 18" x 12" Canvas with Relic? You can now add one and save ($80 value)!

Framed Canvas WITH RELIC (Option B):

Large 30" x 20" (76.2 cm x 45.7 cm) gallery-wrapped canvas print comes ready-to-hang with a solid, 2" Black stained wood frame and includes an embedded fragment from an A6M2 Zero mounted on a beautifully engraved metallic data plate which outlines the details of the print and relic for all viewers to study. As an added touch, each canvas art piece is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder and includes a metallic, Certificate of Authenticity for added provenance and collectibility.

Each Limited Edition Framed Canvas Print is signed and hand-crafted by Artist Craig Tinder using the highest quality materials and archival techniques. Each piece of artwork is created on-demand and typically takes 1-2 weeks for delivery.  

Details About the RELIC:

This is an actual fragment of aluminum from an A6M2 Model 21 Zero Fighter from the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai - the same unit that WW2 ace Saburo Sakai served. Recovered in the 1980s, this item was acquired through the Museum of the Pacific, and originates from the outer wing section and still includes original Imperial Japanese Navy green paint and that of the red Hinomaru. This aircraft (serial unknown) was abandoned at Vunakanau Airfield in Papua New Guinea (known by the Japanese as "Rabaul Number 2"). It is interesting to note that later in the war, most all Japanese fighters adopted a green paint scheme. After many decades of neglect, the aircraft was later moved to a museum at Tobera Airfield in Papua New Guinea.

Fine Art Paper Print (Options C & D) - Relic Not Included:

Each Fine Art Print is printed on archival presentation-quality, 260 GSM / 10 Mil, photographic paper created using the highest quality inks and archival techniques. Photographs do not do this paper substrate justice as it practically "glows" on the wall. Note: Relic is not included with Fine Art Paper Prints.

The Story Behind the Print:

7 August 1942 - Japanese flying ace FP01c Saburo Sakai, leads his squadron from the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai, based at Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul, New Britain Islands. Sakai claimed three kills during this mission before becoming seriously wounded while attacking SBD Dauntless dive bombers. Sakai was one of only a few Japanese Aces who began combat operations at the onset of the war in December 1941 and survive until the end.

Appreciate the Art - Learn their Story - Feel the History

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!