Modern Masters of the Japanese Print:
Tradition and Transformation

July 12, 2008 - January 4, 2009

The 20th century brought many changes to Japan – war and peace, industrialization, urbanization and globalization.  Nowhere are the traces of these changes more evident than in Japanese prints, particularly those made using woodblocks.  This exhibit presents selected works from the Museum’s important collection of Japanese shin hanga and sosaku hanga prints, dating from the first half of the 20th century.  The major artists of this period are represented, including: Okiie Hashimoto, R. Muto, Koshiro Onchi, Kiyoshi Saito and Shinsui Ito.  Their prints reflect the unique range of tastes, talents and interests of Japan’s modern cultural dynamics, yet echo the patterns of their stylistic predecessors.