Floating World Gallery | Japanese Fine Art

OFFERINGS FROM OUR COLLECTION OF
OVER 500 JAPANESE PRINTS & PAINTINGS

Azechi, Umetaro, 1902-1999
Azechi, Umetaro, 1902-1999Born in Uwajima, Ehime prefecture. Studied painting by correspondence before moving to Tokyo in 1920. Forced to return to his parents’ home after the 1923 earthquake but returned to Tokyo in 1925 and obtained work in a government printing office where he began making prints by scratching on scraps of lead plate which he then […]https://floatingworld.com/artist/azechi-umetaro-1902-1999//online-gallery/?search_artist=Azechi%2C+Umetaro%2C+1902-1999&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/931097_01_n-300x214.jpg
Book, Reference
Book, Referencehttps://floatingworld.com/artist/book-reference//online-gallery/?search_artist=Book%2C+Reference&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JSekino-2010_03_6-228x300.jpg
Foujita, Leonard, 1886-1968
Foujita, Leonard, 1886-1968https://floatingworld.com/artist/foujita-leonard-1886-1968//online-gallery/?search_artist=Foujita%2C+Leonard%2C+1886-1968&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/940140_01_n-300x234.jpg
Hagiwara, Hideo, 1913-2007
Hagiwara, Hideo, 1913-2007https://floatingworld.com/artist/hagiwara-hideo-1913-2007//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hagiwara%2C+Hideo%2C+1913-2007&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/931640_01_n.-207x300.jpg
Hamaguchi, Yozo, 1909-2000
Hamaguchi, Yozo, 1909-2000https://floatingworld.com/artist/hamaguchi-yozo-1909-2000//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hamaguchi%2C+Yozo%2C+1909-2000&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/16101401-244x300.jpg
Hashimoto, Okiie, 1899-1993
Hashimoto, Okiie, 1899-1993Born in Tottori prefecture. Studied art education and oil painting at Tokyo School of Fine Arts; graduated in 1924. Studied with Tanabe Itaru and Hirata Shodo. Attended short course with Hiratsuka Un'ichi in 1936. He and Hiratsuka, who had grown up in the same region of Japan, developed a strong friendship and Hashimoto became member of Hiratsuka's circle, Yoyogi-ha. Exhibited at Shin Bunten, Nitten, and Shun'yokai; member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai from 1940 and Kokugakai. Contributed to Kitsutsuki hangashu in 1943 and to Ichimokushu. Beginning 1925 he taught art at a middle school until he became assistant principal of Toyko First Women's High School; remained until he retired in 1955 to devote full time to printmaking. Participated in various international exhibitions. Especially known for large, strong, colorful prints of gardens and ruined castles; published several albums including Picture Collection of Japanese Castles (Nihon no shiro gabun shu), 1944, Ten Views of Old Castles (Kojo jikkei), 1946, both published by Kato Junji, and Picture Collection of Famous Castles of Japan (Nihon no meijo gashu), 1962, published by Nihon Jokaku Kyokai. He used seals with characters "Oki" and "Hashi." Late works include a large nude in 1983.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hashimoto-okiie-1899-1993//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hashimoto%2C+Okiie%2C+1899-1993&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/950400_01_n-300x226.jpg
Hasui, Kawase, 1883-1957
Hasui, Kawase, 1883-1957Born in Toyko. Given name Bunjiro. Studied as a boy with Aoyagi Bokusen and Araki Kan'yu and as an adult with Okada Saburosuke and Kaburagi Kiyokata. Exhibited Japanese-style paintings with Ugokai and Kyodokai. Inspired by Ito Shinsui's Eight Views of Lake Biwa, which he saw at a Kyodokai exhibition. Sought affiliation with Watanabe Shozaburo by preparing sketches for prints resulting in initial prints of 4 scenes of Shiobara Hot Springs in 1918 and ultimately a lifetime of collaboration. Watanabe published over 100 prints designed by Hasui between 1918 and the 1923 earthquake, among them 2 series entitled Souvenirs of Travel (Tabi miyage), 1919 and 1923, and Twelve Tokyo Subjects (Tokyo juni dai), 1919. During this period Hasui was also commissioned to design 8 prints of the villa and garden of Baron Iwasaki Koyota; the prints were used as souvenirs for the baron's guests. The blocks for all of these were lost in the fires following the 1923 earthquake. Hasui went on to design more than 600 landscapes, working up to the time of his death. Most were published by Watanabe Shozaburo. Kawase also worked with other publishers including Kawaguchi in 1929, Doi Teikichi in 1931, Iida in 1932, and Shiota Takezo in 1935. In 1953 the Committee for Preservation of Intangible Cultural Treasures, in recognition of the collaborative techniques involved in producing shin-hanga, commissioned Hasui to create a new print entitled Snow at Zojoji Temple with assistance from artisans. The process was carefully documented by Narazaki Muneshige. Hasui was named a Living National Treasure in 1956. Various seals used before the earthquake; usually a small red circular seal with three teardrop strokes afterward.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hasui-kawase-1883-1957//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hasui%2C+Kawase%2C+1883-1957&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/960017_01_n-213x300.jpg
Hiratsuka, Un’ichi, 1895-1997
Hiratsuka, Un’ichi, 1895-1997Born in Matsue, Shimane prefecture. Graduated from Matsue Commercial College. Took a short course in watercolor from Ishii Hakutei in Matsue in 1913. Encouraged by Hakutei's praise, he moved to Tokyo in 1915 and assisted Hakutei with the business of Nikakai. Although he studied formally with Okada Saburosuke, Ishii Hakutei was his mentor. At Hakutei's suggestion he studied woodblock carving with the master carver Igami Bonkotsu for 10 months in 1915. Exhibited his first moku-hanga with Nikakai in 1916. Returned to Matsue in 1918; remained until 1920. In 1921, back in Tokyo, he began work for the magazine Travel and Culture (Ryoko to Bungei). After the 1923 earthquake he learned to carve and construct frames for oil painters and in 1924 taught frame making in conjunction with Yamamoto Kanae's farmers' art movement. Member of Nihon Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai and founding member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai. From 1931 served as head of the print section of Kokugakai. Created several series of prints including Scenes of Tokyo after the Earthquake (Tokyo shinsai ato fukei), 1923-1927, and Scenes of Azuchi (Azuchi Fukei), 1931, and contributed to numerous group series. In 1939 exhibited 100 pieces of his collection of old Buddhist prints at the Tokyo Folk Art Museum. Contributed to Shi to hanga, Han, Shiro to kuro, HANGA, Dessan, Kasuri, Mura no hanga, and Han geijutsu. Supervised publication of Kitsutsuki in 1930-1931 and later Kitsutsuki hangashu in 1942-1943. Highly respected as pioneer of the creative print movement and teacher of many sosaku-hanga artists in short courses throughout Japan; taught extracurricular course at Tokyo School of Fine Arts 1935-1944. His early prints are principally color landscapes; later, from mid-1930s, black and white with influences from ancient Buddhist prints and early ukiyo-e. In 1962 moved to Washington, D.C., where he continued producing and exhibiting; works of this period include a series of 100 nudes. Used various kanji signatures; also, in mid-1920s, the letters "UN" carved in the block.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hiratsuka-unichi-1895-1997//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hiratsuka%2C+Un%27ichi%2C+1895-1997&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12
Hiroaki, Shotei, 1871-1945
Hiroaki, Shotei, 1871-1945Born in Asakusa district of Toyko. Original name Takahashi Katsutaro; used the art name Shotei 1907-1922, Hiroaki or Komei after 1922. Studied Japanese-style painting with his uncle Matsumoto Fuko. In 1891 with Terazaki Kogyo organized Japan Youth Painting Society (Nihon Seinen Kaiga Kyokai). Illustrated textbooks and newspaper novels. Began designing woodblocks for Watanabe Shozaburo for export in 1907 and produced about 500 prints before September 1923. The blocks for all were destroyed in the fire which swept through Watanabe's workshop on the heels of the great Kanto earthquake. Hiroaki then resumed work for Watanabe and created about 250 more designs for scenery prints and the small greeting cards with which Watanabe rebuilt his export business. Prints of nudes and other subjects were published by Fusui Gabo in the 1930s. According to one report Hiroaki, visiting his daughter in Hiroshima in August 1945, was killed by the atomic bomb.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hiroaki-shotei-1871-1945//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hiroaki%2C+Shotei%2C+1871-1945&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FWG23801_01_n-155x300.jpg
Hiroshige, Ando, 1797-1858
Hiroshige, Ando, 1797-1858Go: Ichiryusai, Ichiyusai, Ryusai, Tokaido Utashige. Ukiyo-e painter, printmaker. Lived in Edo; son of an official of the fire department assigned to Edo Castle. Early interest in art, his first teacher Okajima Rinsai; then tried unsuccessfully to enter Utagawa Toyokuni's studio; at about 14 became a pupil of Utagawa Toyohiro. Also studied nanga painting under Ooka Umpo; interested in Western art and the work of the Shijo school. Gave up his hereditary position in the fire department to his son, leaving himself free to devote himself to painting and designing prints. In 1812, took name of Hiroshige. His first published work, in the field of book illustration, dates from 1818; during the following decade Hiroshige published capable work in the field of figure prints: actors, warriors and girls. From the year 1831 he began (under the influence of the great Hokusai) the series of landscape prints that were to make his name: Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, and later Famous Views of Japan, Famous Views of Kyoto, Eight Views of Lake Biwa, Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Highway. Through not the prodigious eccentric that Hokusai was, Hiroshige nevertheless made a large contribution to the development of the landscape print, as well as to the field of flower-and-bird prints (these revealing his inclination toward the Kyoto Shijo School more than toward ukiyo-e). In effect, Hiroshige consolidated the landscape form and adapted it to popular taste, thereby diffusing the form to all strata of society. But eventually this also led to overproduction and declining standards of quality. At his best, however, Hiroshige was a master of the impressionist, poetic view of nature, and he remains the best-loved of all Japanese artists. Among his pupils were Hiroshige II, Shigekatsu, Shigekiyo and Hiroshige III. Taken in whole, or in part from: Roberts, Laurance P. A Dictionary of Japanese Artists: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Prints, Lacquer. Weatherhill, Inc: New York. 1986.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hiroshige-ando-1797-1858//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hiroshige%2C+Ando%2C+1797-1858&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/960231_01_n-300x204.jpg
Hoshi, Joichi, 1913-1979
Hoshi, Joichi, 1913-1979Born in Niigata prefecture. Graduated from Tainan Normal School in Taiwan; worked as a teacher in Taiwan for 13 years. Returned to Japan after World War II and enrolled in the oil painting department of Musashino College of Fine Arts; graduated in 1956 at age 43. Mokuhan self-taught. First exhibited with Nihon Hanga Kyokai in 1948; member from 1952. Also exhibited with Kokugakai and Graphic Arts Club. Represented at Tokyo Biennale in 1960, 1962, and 1964 and Sao Paulo in 1967. Hoshi was strongly attracted to universal elements of nature and produced elegantly carved images of stars and constellations in the 1960s. Focused on trees in his later years.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hoshi-joichi-1913-1979//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hoshi%2C+Joichi%2C+1913-1979&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/960121_01_n-225x300.jpg
Hoson, Ohara, 1877-1945
Hoson, Ohara, 1877-1945Born in Kanazawa. Original name Ohara Matao. Studied with Shijo-style painter Suzuki Kason. Under the name Koson made Russo-Japanese War prints in 1904 and many small kacho prints published by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokuya for export. In 1912 changed name to Shoson and dedicated himself to painting but may have designed a few more prints for Daikokuya under the name Koson. In 1926 resumed kacho hanga production. Published chiefly by Watanabe Shozaburo but also by Nishinomiya Yosaku and Sakai-Kawaguchi. Hundreds of Shoson bird prints exported to U.S. Used the name Hoson on works published by Sakai-Kawaguchi.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/hoson-ohara-1877-1945//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hoson%2C+Ohara%2C+1877-1945&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/960752_01_n-210x300.jpg
Hyde, Helen, 1868-1919
Hyde, Helen, 1868-1919https://floatingworld.com/artist/hyde-helen-1868-1919//online-gallery/?search_artist=Hyde%2C+Helen%2C+1868-1919&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FW23160_01_n-300x152.jpg
Inagaki, Tomoo, 1902-1980
Inagaki, Tomoo, 1902-1980Born in Toyko. Graduated from Tokyo Higher Technical School. Studied mokuhan under Onchi Koshiro and Hiratsuka Un'ichi from 1923. Also studied commercial arts with Hamada Masuji. Exhibited with Nihon Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai beginning 1924; member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai from 1932. Member of Kokugakai, Shun'yokai, and Ichimokukai. Contributed to HANGA, Shi to hanga, Ichimokushu, and Kitsutsuki. After World War II he specialized in highly stylized prints of cats. Represented in international competitions including Paris, Toyko, and Lugano biennales.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/inagaki-tomoo-1902-1980//online-gallery/?search_artist=Inagaki%2C+Tomoo%2C+1902-1980&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/152136_01_n-300x225.jpg
Kiyokata, Kaburagi, 1878-1973
Kiyokata, Kaburagi, 1878-1973Born in Tokyo. Son of Jono Saigiku, a noted journalist and theater critic. Studied with Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Mizuno Toshikata. Founded Ugokai in 1901 for ukiyo-e and Japanese genre painters; society dissolved in 1912. Founded Kinreisha, an organization for Japanese-style painters, in 1917. Appointed member of Imperial Art Academy in 1929. Also exhibited paintings at Bunten and Teiten. Appointed to Art Committee of Imperial Household in 1938. Began his career about 1901 with illustrations for serialized novels in newspapers; established his reputation with illustrations for the Shun'yodo edition of the immensely popular novel Demon Gold (Konjiki yasha). His wife served as model for some of the scenes. Many illustrations printed by woodblock; single-sheet prints published by Sato Shotaro in 1909. Although very successful as an illustrator, Kiyokata focused on paintings of nostalgic genre scenes after 1910. Publishers, however, continued to make moku-hanga from his paintings. Influential teacher and mentor of many shin-hanga artists including Ito Shinsui and Kawase Hasui. Received Order of Cultural Merit in 1954.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/kiyokata-kaburagi-1878-1973//online-gallery/?search_artist=Kiyokata%2C+Kaburagi%2C+1878-1973&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/12100701_01_n-200x300.jpg
Koson, Ohara, 1877-1945
Koson, Ohara, 1877-1945Born in Kanazawa. Original name Ohara Matao. Studied with Shijo-style painter Suzuki Kason. Under the name Koson made Russo-Japanese War prints in 1904 and many small kacho prints published by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokuya for export. In 1912 changed name to Shoson and dedicated himself to painting but may have designed a few more prints for Daikokuya under the name Koson. In 1926 resumed kacho hanga production. Published chiefly by Watanabe Shozaburo but also by Nishinomiya Yosaku and Sakai-Kawaguchi. Hundreds of Shoson bird prints exported to U.S. Used the name Hoson on works published by Sakai-Kawaguchi.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/koson-ohara-1877-1945//online-gallery/?search_artist=Koson%2C+Ohara%2C+1877-1945&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/930185_01_n-167x300.jpg
Kunisada, Utagawa, 1786-1865
Kunisada, Utagawa, 1786-1865https://floatingworld.com/artist/kunisada-utagawa-1786-1865//online-gallery/?search_artist=Kunisada%2C+Utagawa%2C+1786-1865&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/960039_01_n-269x300.jpg
Kuroda, Shigeki, b. 1953
Kuroda, Shigeki, b. 1953Born in 1953 in Yokohama. Studied painting at Tama University of Art in Tokyo. Received a fellowship from the Japaneses government to travel to the US in the 1980s to study various printmaking techniques, including etching; drypoint; aquatint and mezzotint, Best known for his depiction of bicycles riders with umbrellas.https://floatingworld.com/artist/kuroda-shigeki-b-1953//online-gallery/?search_artist=Kuroda%2C+Shigeki%2C+b.+1953&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/kuroda.jpg
Mori, Yoshitoshi, 1898-1993
Mori, Yoshitoshi, 1898-1993Born in Tokyo. From age 15 studied painting and illustration with Yamakawa Shuho and design for yuzen dyeing with Yamakawa Saiho, father of Yamakawa Shuho. Graduated in 1923 from Japanese-style painting division of Kawabata Painting School. Influenced by Yanagi Soetsu, Serizawa Keisuke, and the folk art movement from 1942. Worked for 30 years as a designer and dyer of kimono fabrics. In 1955 turned to hanga, working usually with stencils but occasionally with woodblocks. Member of Kokugakai from 1949, Banga-in from 1955, and Nihon Hanga Kyokai from 1982. Represented in numerous international competitions including Ljubljana, Barcelona, and Tokyo biennales. Subjects are often workers at traditional tasks, festivals, exotic imagery of Buddhism, or folk art. Style is bold in mingei taste.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/mori-yoshitoshi-1898-1993//online-gallery/?search_artist=Mori%2C+Yoshitoshi%2C+1898-1993&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/280598_01_n-196x300.jpg
Saburosuke, Okada, 1869-1939
Saburosuke, Okada, 1869-1939Born in Saga prefecture. Studied at private painting school of Soyama Yukihiko. Also assimilated the plein-air style of Kuroda Seiki and Kume Keiichiro. Exhibited Western-style painting at National Industrial Exhibition in 1895. Began teaching at Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1896. Active with Kuroda Seiki and Kume Keiichiro in establishing Hakubakai in 1896. Went to France in 1897; studied painting with Raphael Collin and also engraving. In 1901 returned to Japan and resumed teaching at Tokyo School of Fine Arts. In 1912, with Fujishima Takeji, established the Hongo Painting Institute. Credited with introducing color etching to Japan. Principally known as metal-plate artist but had close associations with moku-hanga artists and contributed moku-hanga to Kofu, the magazine of Hakubakai, and Complete Collection of Chikamatsu, 1923. Founding member of Yofu Hangakai, an association of etchers and lithographers, in 1930. Returned to France in 1930; discussed with Hasegawa Kiyoshi the possibility of an exhibition of modern Japanese prints in Paris. To facilitate such an exhibition urged members of Yofu Hangakai and Nihon Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai, as well as independent artists, to unite to form Nihon Hanga Kyokai in 1931; became president. In 1937 became member of Imperial Art Academy and was awarded Order of Cultural Merit.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/saburosuke-okada-1869-1939//online-gallery/?search_artist=Saburosuke%2C+Okada%2C+1869-1939&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/12100201_01_n-191x300.jpg
Saito, Kiyoshi, 1907-1997
Saito, Kiyoshi, 1907-1997Born in 1907 in Sakamoto, Fukushima prefecture. Moved to Otaru in Hokkaido at age 5; later apprenticed to a sign painter. From an early age operated a successful sign painting business in Otaru. Studied drawing with Narita Gyokusen in Otaru. Infatuated with the art world, he sold his business and moved to Tokyo in about 1932. Studied Western-style painting at Hongo Painting Institute. Exhibited oils with Hakujitsukai, Nikakai, Kokugakai, and Tokokai. Began making hanga by cutting and printing progressively from a single block because he liked the effect achieved by printing. But, like most Western-oriented young artists at that time, he thought he had to be an oil painter to be successful. After exhibiting with Nihon Hanga Kyokai in 1936 and the acceptance of a moku-hanga in the print division of Kokugakai in 1937, he began to think seriously about hanga. At the invitation of Ono Tadashige he joined Zokei Hanga Kyokai in 1938. In the same year he began the Winter in Aizu series, a group of prints of the snow country in which he lived as a child. He first exhibited the Aizu prints in 1942 under wartime conditions in the upstairs gallery of a brush and paper store. Entered employment with Asahi Newspaper Company in 1943. A chance meeting with Onchi Koshiro at the Asahi office led to an invitation to Ichimokukai and membership from 1944 in Nihon Hanga Kyokai. In 1946 or 1947, shortly after the end of the war, he exhibited with Hiratsuka Un'ichi and Kawanishe Hide in a new gallery opposite the Imperial Hotel. At that show he sold his first print. In 1948 he exhibited at the Salon Printemps, an exhibition sponsored by Americans as a benefit for Japanese artists. Became a member of Kokugakai in 1950. In 1951 he received first prize at Sao Paulo for Steady Gaze, 1950. Because the Japanese works for the exhibition arrived late his print was in competition against Japanese oil painting and nihon-ga. This award to a woodblock print in an international exhibition awakened the Japanese art establishment—which had been indifferent if not hostile to hanga—to the respect which modern prints enjoyed abroad. Saito also won a major prize at the international competition in Ljubljana in 1956. Visited the U.S. in 1956 under auspices of the State Department and Asia Foundation; from that time exhibited widely throughout U.S. and Europe and made a living from prints. Attracted to the use of wood grain in the work of Gauguin and Munch in the 1940s. In 1954 on a visit to Katsura palace in Kyoto he discovered the orderly beauty of architecture and compared it to the intellectual organization he had seen in Mondrian paintings. This led him to search for the essentials of nature and express them in flat areas of color and texture in bold and graceful designs. His prints are especially appreciated abroad.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/saito-kiyoshi-1907-1997//online-gallery/?search_artist=Saito%2C+Kiyoshi%2C+1907-1997&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/950440_01_n-300x221.jpg
Seien, Shima, 1892-1970
Seien, Shima, 1892-1970Born in Sakai City, Osaka. Given name Narie. Daughter of the painter Shima Eikichi. Studied Japanese-style painting with Kitano Tsunetomi. Exhibited with Bunten at age 21. Painter of bijin-ga in half-Western, half-Japanese manner. Withdrew from painters' circles while living in various Japanese cities to which her husband was transferred as a bank employee but returned to Osaka after World War II and resumed painting. Had a solo exhibition at Osaka Daimaru and continued working until year of her death. An active creator of bijin-ga prints. Contributed to New Ukiyo-e Beauties (Shin ukiyo-e bijin awase). Works self-published or published by Hakuyosha.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/seien-shima-1892-1970//online-gallery/?search_artist=Seien%2C+Shima%2C+1892-1970&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/12100401_01_n-203x300.jpg
Sekino, Jun’ichiro, 1914-1988
Sekino, Jun’ichiro, 1914-1988Born in Aomori. From boyhood knew Munakata Shiko as a charismatic painter a few years his senior. Sekino made woodblock prints with friends while still in middle school. Studied etching in Aomori with Kon Junzo. Contributed to Chokokuto in 1932, Shin hanga in 1935. Exhibited with Nihon Hanga Kyokai from 1932. Moved to Tokyo in 1939 after winning a 1936 Teiten prize for an etching. Studied etching at Etching Institute of Nishida Takeo and oil painting and drawing at a private painting school. Studied woodblock with Onchi Koshiro and Maekawa Senpan for whom he worked from time to time as a printer. Became member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai in 1938 and Kokugakai in 1940. Contributed to every set of Ichimokushu. Represented in international competitions at Tokyo, Northwest, Ljubljana, and elsewhere. Won wide acclaim in the U.S. after World War II for moku-hanga. Traveled in U.S. in 1958 under auspices of Japan America Society; taught at Oregon State University in 1963. Taught at Kobe University in 1965. Awarded medal by Imperial Household Agency in 1981. Sekino was a prolific printmaker in styles ranging from detailed portraits in the late 1940s and early 1950s to semiabstract prints with greater emphasis on pattern and design after mid-1950s. Sekino's portraits of some of Japan's most famous early modern printmakers have earned him a reputation as a leading artist. Not at all limited to portraits, Sekino has made prints of cityscapes, grain fields, animals (such as the serene My Black Cat, in which the pet is cradled apprehensively in a male figure's arms). He also created many floral designs. Among his late works are Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido, Collection of Aomori Folk Toys, Collection of Famous Japan Folk Toys, Old Capital, and Prints of the Narrow Road to the Deep North.** Taken in whole, or in part from: Blakemore, Frances. Who's Who in Modern Japanese Prints. Weatherhill, Inc: New York. 1983. Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/sekino-junichiro-1914-1988//online-gallery/?search_artist=Sekino%2C+Jun%27ichiro%2C+1914-1988&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/sekino_art_132.jpg
Shinoda, Toko, (1913-2021)
Shinoda, Toko, (1913-2021)https://floatingworld.com/artist/shinoda-toko-1913-2021//online-gallery/?search_artist=Shinoda%2C+Toko%2C+%281913-2021%29&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/960548_01_n-231x300.jpg
Shiro, Kasamatsu, 1898-1991
Shiro, Kasamatsu, 1898-1991Born in Tokyo. Given name Shiro (with different characters). Studied Japanese-style painting with Kaburagi Kiyokata. Exhibited paintings in Bunten, Teiten, Tatsumi Gakai, and Kyodokai. Member of Seikinkai. Encouraged by Kaburagi Kiyokata he began designing woodblock prints for Watanabe Shozaburo in 1919. Published many prints with Watanabe in 1930s and Eight Views of Tokyo and bird and animal prints with Unsodo in 1950s. In later years carved and printed many of his own blocks but did not promote his prints through affiliations and exhibitions.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/shiro-kasamatsu-1898-1991//online-gallery/?search_artist=Shiro%2C+Kasamatsu%2C+1898-1991&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FWG220589_01-214x300.jpg
Teraoka, Masami, b. 1936
Teraoka, Masami, b. 1936https://floatingworld.com/artist/teraoka-masami-b-1936//online-gallery/?search_artist=Teraoka%2C+Masami%2C+b.+1936&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/250855_01_n-300x214.jpg
Watanabe, Sadao, 1913-1996
Watanabe, Sadao, 1913-1996https://floatingworld.com/artist/watanabe-sadao-1913-1996//online-gallery/?search_artist=Watanabe%2C+Sadao%2C+1913-1996&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FWG220481_01_n-265x300.jpg
Yoshida, Toshi, 1911-1995
Yoshida, Toshi, 1911-1995Born in Tokyo. Studied oil painting with his father Yoshida Hiroshi and block carving with Maeda Yujiro. Graduated in 1935 from school of Taiheiyogakai. Traveled widely in India, Europe, and U.S. Member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai from 1952 and Graphic Arts Club. Represented in international competitions in Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and elsewhere. Carries on the Yoshida workshop and tradition. In the early Showa period he worked in a realistic manner. After World War II he turned to nonobjective prints for several years but later returned to realistic rendition of subjects from nature. Coauthor with Yuki Rei of Japanese Print-Making, 1966.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.https://floatingworld.com/artist/yoshida-toshi-1911-1995//online-gallery/?search_artist=Yoshida%2C+Toshi%2C+1911-1995&search_periodgenre&search_subject&search_keyword&sortby=title&perpage=12https://floatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/101232_01_n-211x300.jpg