Saito Kiyoshi

On view in Gallery 105, Woodblock Prints of Saito Kiyoshi explores one of the most prolific Japanese artists of the twentieth century. Largely self-taught, he experimented with the expressive potential of woodblock printing, including the texture of the wood grain and effects from cutting and scratching the surface with knives and awls. The range of subjects in his work varies—from landscapes and architecture to cats and the human figure—but there is always an element of abstraction, with the patterns, colors and textures being as much the focus as the subject matter depicted. His works were especially admired by Americans traveling to Japan in the postwar years, such as Virginia W. Kettering, who collected all eleven prints in the exhibition. On view through July 16.

Woodblock Print Process

In traditional Japanese woodblock printing, a drawn design on paper is glued face down on a woodblock. The artist, or typically a specialized craftsman, then carves around the design, creating a raised outline. This is the keyblock, which serves as the basis for making the main image and for creating additional blocks for colors. Printing is done in stages, starting with the keyblock and then using the color blocks one at a time.With the block placed face up, the artist applies ink with a brush, places a piece of paper on top and then rubs the back of the paper with a flat disc called a baren, transferring the ink to the paper.Each block has registration marks that help ensure everything lines up correctly.To see an example of printing in action, watch this video from the Tokyo National Museum. https://youtu.be/263hot9G8NA

Tools: Japan, Tools for Woodblock Print Carving and Printing, about 1930, wood, metal, animal hair, paper, bamboo fibers. Gift of Mr. Einosuke Blocks and Prints: Ishiwata Koitsu (Japanese, 1897–1987), A Country Restaurant at Katsushika Sankaku, 1931, wood, ink and colors on paper. Gift of Mr. Einosuke Yamanouchi, 1934.15.2..1; 1934.15.2.2.1