Shiro (1898 - 1991 )
While Shiro Kasamatsu is best known for his Shin Hanga woodblock prints, he began his artistic career as a painter. A pupil of Kiyokata Kaburagi, Shiro actively exhibited his work in Bunten and Teiten, as well as other official exhibitions. In 1919, Kiyokata urged his student to design woodblock prints for the famed Shin Hanga publisher Shozaburo Watanabe. Along with the works of Hasui, Shotei and others, Watanabe published many of Shiro’s designs in the 1930s. In the 1950s, Shiro began working with the publisher Unsodo, releasing Eight Views of Tokyo and a series of kacho-e (bird-and-flower prints). Towards the end of his career, Shiro channeled the spirit of the Sosaku Hanga movement, carving and printing his own woodblocks.
Modern Art | Modern Japanese Prints and Paintings
The 20th century saw the emergence of two modern Japanese print movements: Shin Hanga, or “new prints,” and Sosaku Hanga, or “creative prints.” Both sought an identity somewhere between centuries of rich cultural tradition and modern global character. With growing realism, changing techniques, and a newfound international audience, the Shin Hanga movement portrayed familiar Japanese themes through modern eyes. From sensual beauties and expressive actors, to atmospheric landscapes and sensitive nature studies, the principal genres of ukiyo-e reasserted themselves with renewed vigor. The Sosaku Hanga movement emphasized the participation of the artist in every aspect of production. From carving to printing, modern Japanese printmaking adopted a more spontaneous, expressive attitude through the artistic explorations of this movement. Ranging from figural to abstract, Sosaku Hanga flourished after WWII. Explore Ronin Gallery's selection of modern prints and paintings below.
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Shiro
The Great Lantern at Kannon Temple, Asakusa
JPR1-58025