Introduction

https://omeka.stkate.edu/omeka_Spring2017/files/original/0208de5aaddd1ff5a2a86b29205f23ad.jpg

      Japanese Woodblock Printing (木版画, mokuhanga) is a well known and old art form. Some of the first woodblock prints from Japan can be traced back to 760 C.E. However, it was not until the beginning of the 17th century that it became a widely spread medium in Japan. Woodblock printing was used to create both books and affordable artistic sheets with spectacular effects. The technique for woodblock printing is initially time consuming, as it requires extensive artistic skill in carving and layering. However, it represents a comparatively convenient method for reproducing written texts and prints, as it is far easier than hand inking and writing books.


     The first step in creating a woodblock print is for the text or image to be drawn onto thin, partially-transparent washi paper. The paper is then glued face down onto a block of wood to serve as an outline, which can be masterfully carved away to create a relief of the image or text. The carved image can then be inked and stamped on paper. Pressure is carefully applied to the wood to make sure the image is copied properly. As the medium grew in popularity, more complex designs and styles emerged with beautifully orchestrated use of multiple colors and small detail. Artists would use a separate carved block for each color, which could number up to twenty. To this day, woodblock prints are still used as an artistic medium all over the world.


     This exhibit features 36 beautiful and iconic Japanese woodblock prints available through St. Catherine University’s Fine Art Collection, which were created by 15 Japanese woodblock print artists. Their one-of-a-kind processes and aesthetic styles represent the fascinating history, age-old techniques, recognizable style, and lasting legacy of Japanese woodblock prints.

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The 36 Japanese woodblock prints included in this exhibit are:

  • "Flying Fish" by Ōno Bakufu
  • "[Chrysanthemum]" by Asada Benji

  • "Spring-Colored Garden in Snow, A" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Spring-Colored Garden in Snow, B" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Spring-Colored Garden in Snow, C" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Cherry Blossom Viewing, A" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Cherry Blossom Viewing, B" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Cherry Blossom Viewing, C" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Depiction of an Official Hearing at Fukiage, A" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Depiction of an Official Hearing at Fukiage, B" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Depiction of an Official Hearing at Fukiage, C" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Parading of the Mochi (Rice Cakes), A" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Parading of the Mochi (Rice Cakes), B" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Parading of the Mochi (Rice Cakes), C" by Yōshū Chikanobu

  • "Poem by Sasaki Bunzan. 'No urinating here, being a beautiful mountain of cherry blossoms.'" by Ogata Gekkō

  • "The Story of Momotaro (The Peach Boy), A" by Hishikawa Harunobu

  • "The Story of Momotaro (The Peach Boy), B" by Hishikawa Harunobu

  • "The Story of Momotaro (The Peach Boy), C" by Hishikawa Harunobu

  • "A Picture of the Venue of the Second National Industrial Exhibition in Ueno Park, Tokyo" by Utagawa Hiroshige III

  • "Morning Glory, no. 20" by Toyohara Kunichika

  • "Courtesan of Okamoto-ya, no.7" by Toyohara Kunichika

  • "Genji at Sugatami Bridge, 12th month" by Utagawa Kunisada II

  • "[Hollyhock]" by Aoyama Masaharu

  • "12 Months in the Present Day, November" by Yōsai Nobukazu

  • "Evening at Shiogama" by Kasamatsu Shiro

  • "Snow at Nikko's Yomeimon (Sun Gate)" by Kasamatsu Shiro

  • "Shirabyōshi Dancer: Woman of the Kenkyū Era [1190-1199]" by Mizuno Toshikata

  • "First Warbler: Woman of the Manji Era [1658-1661]" by Mizuno Toshikata

  • "The Great Battle at Yashima (1185), A" by Utagawa Yoshitora

  • "The Great Battle at Yashima (1185), B" by Utagawa Yoshitora

  • "The Great Battle at Yashima (1185), C" by Utagawa Yoshitora

  • "The Moon's Invention -- Hozo Temple" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

  • "Mount Otowa Moon" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

  • "Shinobugaoka Moon, Gyokuensai" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

  • "Moon of Gojo Bridge" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

  • "Bon Festival Moon" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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Exhibit developed by:

Rebecca Brown, Alyssa Costopoulos, and Victoria Johnson

Created for:

St. Catherine University -- LIS 7590 -- Spring 2020

Contact Information:

Rebecca Brown- rkbrown278@stkate.edu
Alyssa Costopoulos- accostopoulos764@stkate.edu
Victoria Johnson- vhjohnson415@stkate.edu

Introduction