Natori, Shunsen (1886 - 1960 )
Shunsen Natori (né Yoshinosuke Natori) was the son of a Tokyo silk merchant. Shunsen took an early interest in art. He studied nihonga (Japanese-style painting) under Beisen Kubota and participated in his first exhibition in 1906. Shunsen then entered Tokyo School of Fine Arts and began working as an illustrator for the newspaper Asahi Shimbun, where he became interested in kabuki portraiture. In 1916, Shunsen collaborated with Shozaburo Watanabe on two kabuki prints. By 1919, Shunsen Natori retired from nihonga and became a prominent woodblock print artist in the actor print genre. His work is known for its vibrant emotion, most readily apparent in his portraits. Following the tragic passing of his daughter Yoshiko in 1958, Shunsen and his wife, unable to get over her death, committed suicide in 1960.
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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Natori, Shunsen
Nakamura Shikaku II as Shizuka-gozen at Horikawa
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