Munakata, Shiko (1903 - 1975 )
Born in Aomori prefecture, Shiko Munakata is a woodblock print artist best known for his black and white prints and his expressive, sketch-like lines. A self-taught artist, he began his career in oil painting, organizing the Seikokai (Blue Light Group) and exhibiting at Hakujitsukai, Bunten and Teiten. Shiko Munakata changed course in 1926 upon seeing a woodblock print by Sumio Kawakami. After brief instruction from Un’ichi Hiratsuka in 1928, Munakata became active in the woodblock printmaking community: he belonged to both Kokugakai (1932-1953) and Nihon Hanga Kyokai (1932-1938), and contributed to many Sosaku Hanga publications. Around 1936, he garnered the support of Soetsu Yanagi and other leaders of the folk art movement. Shiko Munakata’s work began to heavily feature Buddhist imagery the following year. During the bombing of Tokyo in 1945, he escaped to Toyama prefecture. Shiko Manukata continued woodblock printmaking and received first prize in international exhibitions held in Lugano (1952), Sao Paulo (1955) and Venice (1956). Visiting the United States in 1959, Munakata spent a year exhibiting his work throughout the country. Horinji Temple in Kyoto bestowed him with the honorary rank of “Hokkyo” upon his return to Japan. In 1962, he received the rank of “Hogan” from Nisseki Temple in Toyama prefecture. Shiko Munakata’s accolades continued through the end of the decade, including the Medal of Honor (1963), the Asahi Shimbun culture prize (1965), and the Order of Cultural Merit (1970).
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.
24 Products
Munakata, Shiko
Aniruddha, Master of Supernatural Vision
JP-210324
Munakata, Shiko
Samanthabhadra, Incarnation of Buddha's Fundamental Element
JP1-63114
Munakata, Shiko
Himawari no Otoko no saku (Sunflower Man)
JPR-208849
Munakata, Shiko
Kātyāyana, Master of Fundamental Principles
JPR1-63122
Munakata, Shiko
Anirhudda, Master of Supernatural Vision
JPR1-63127
Munakata, Shiko
Upāli, Master of Vinaya, the Monastic Rules
JPR1-63126
Munakata, Shiko
Pūrnamaitrāyanīputra, Master of Teaching
JPR1-63125
Munakata, Shiko
Maudgalyāyana, Master of Supernatural Forces
JPR1-63121
Munakata, Shiko
Mañjuśri, Incarnation of Buddha’s Wisdom
JPR1-63115