Kotozuka, Eiichi (1906 - 1979 )
Eiichi Kotozuka was a 20th century printmaker and painter. Born in Osaka, he attended Kyoto Technical School of Painting. After graduation in 1930, he exhibited with Western-style art association Shun’yokai and the state-sponsored Teiten. He joined the Japan Print Association in 1938 and helped found Seriyusha, an artist’s association. In 1948, he joined Tomikichiro Tokuriki, Tobei Kamei and Tasaburo Takahashi in founding Koryokusha, through which they published their prints in the Sosaku Hanga style. Following WWII, Kotozuka produced prints for Uchida Publishing, illustrated the children’s book Kaguyahime, and contributed to collaborative series with the co-founders of Koryokusha, such as Fifty Kinds of Flowers with Kamei and Tokuriki, and Twenty-Four Views In and Out of Kyoto with Kamei.
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.
