Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Mori Yoshitoshi: The Master of modern kappazuri-e
Mori Yoshitoshi (1898–1992) was a highly influential Japanese artist best known for his work in kappazuri-e (‘stencil printing’) and his contributions to the Sōsaku Hanga (‘creative print’) movement. Mori’s artistic journey was marked by a deep commitment to Japanese folk traditions, which he revitalized and transformed into a modern art form, blending the old with the new in a unique and innovative way.
Minagawa Taizo: A modern innovator in the Shin Hanga tradition
Minagawa Taizo (1917-2005) was a Japanese artist known for his work in textiles and woodblock printing. He was a master craftsman who blended traditional Japanese techniques with modern aesthetics, creating works that were both beautiful and innovative. Minagawa’s art reflects his deep connection to Japan’s cultural heritage and his willingness to experiment with new forms and ideas. This post explores Minagawa’s life and work, highlighting his contributions to the Shin Hanga movement and his enduring legacy in Japanese art.
Koitsu Tsuchiya: Master of light and shadow in Shin Hanga
Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870–1949) was a prominent artist in the Shin Hanga movement, celebrated for his atmospheric landscapes and evocative use of light and shadow. His work is widely admired for its ability to capture the mood and ambiance of different times of day and seasons, making him one of the leading landscape artists of the early 20th century.
Yoshikawa Kampō: Elegant simplicity and refined beauty
Yoshikawa Kampō (1894-1979) was a prominent artist of the Shin Hanga movement, known for his elegant bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), yakusha-e (actor prints), and fukeiga (landscapes). He had a deep engagement with traditional Japanese arts, which he skillfully integrated into his work as a woodblock print artist. His prints are celebrated for their refined beauty, graceful compositions, and subtle use of color.
Yoshida Hiroshi: The international visionary of Shin Hanga
Yoshida Hiroshi (1876–1950) was a prominent figure in the Shin Hanga movement, known for his exquisite landscape prints that combined traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with Western painting styles. His work is celebrated for its meticulous detail, vibrant use of color, and the ability to capture the beauty of both Japanese and international landscapes.
Yamamura Kōka: Fusion of tradition and modernity in Shin Hanga
Yamamura Kōka (1885–1942) was another prominent figure in the Shin Hanga movement, known for his striking yakusha-e (portraits of kabuki actors) and bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His work is characterized by a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern artistic influences, making him one of the key artists of his time.
Uehara Konen: Master of tranquil landscapes in Shin Hanga
Uehara Konen (1877-1940) was a Shin Hanga artist who is best known for his serene and atmospheric landscape prints. His works are celebrated for capturing the quiet beauty of Japan’s natural and urban environment. Here is a short dossier on his life and work.
Torii Kotondo: The Shin Hanga bijin-ga master
Torii Kotondo (1900-1976) was a prominent artist of the Shin Hanga movement, known for his exquisite bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His work is characterized by its elegance, refinement, and attention to detail, capturing the grace and poise of his subjects in moments of quiet introspection.
Ohara Koson: Master of kacho-e
Among the most famous Shin Hanga artist, Ohara Koson is celebrated for his exquisite kacho-e prints, which depict birds, flowers, and other elements of nature with a delicate and refined touch. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, a deep sensitivity to the beauty of the natural world, and a mastery of color and composition.
Natori Shunsen: The master of Shin Hanga kabuki portraits
Natori Shunsen (1886-1960) was another prominent artist of the Shin Hanga movement, known for his vibrant and dynamic portraits of kabuki actors. His work captures the essence of the kabuki theater, showcasing the dramatic intensity and intricate costumes of the performers. Here, we briefly explore the life and art of Natori Shunsen, highlighting his unique style and lasting impact on Japanese art.