Kajiwara, Hisako (1896 - 1988 )
Born in Kyoto to a successful sake producer, Hisako Kajiwara was a nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artist specializing in bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). After training with Kikuchi Keigetsu and Chigusa Soun, Kajiwara debuted in 1918 at the Kokuga Society in Kyoto. In her early career, she broke from genre standards to capture a more inclusive, realistic spectrum of femininity as a member of the Humanist school (jinsei-ha). At the time, these works were criticized for their “grim” realism. Following her father’s bankruptcy in 1929, financial necessity led her to back to the elegant beauties that dominated the bijin-ga genre. It was not until the end of her career that she once again returned to more complex depictions of womanhood. While Kajiwara focused on nihonga, over the course of her career she completed several woodblock prints as well.
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.