Sōsaku-hanga

Definition

Sōsaku-hanga, or 'creative prints,' is a Japanese art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by artists taking full control of the printmaking process, from conception to execution. This movement represents a significant departure from traditional ukiyo-e prints, which relied on a division of labor among multiple artisans. Sōsaku-hanga artists sought to express their individual artistic vision and emphasized personal creativity over commercial production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sōsaku-hanga movement arose during the Taishō period (1912-1926) when Japan experienced significant political and social changes that encouraged artistic innovation.
2. Artists like Onchi Kōshirō and Unno Yoshiko were key figures in promoting sōsaku-hanga and aimed to create art that reflected their personal experiences and ideas.
3. Unlike traditional ukiyo-e prints that involved multiple artisans for design, carving, and printing, sōsaku-hanga artists handled all aspects of their work themselves.
4. The movement was influenced by Western artistic styles and philosophies, leading to an emphasis on individual expression and experimentation in printmaking.
5. Sōsaku-hanga is often contrasted with 'shin-hanga' (new prints), which maintained traditional methods but incorporated modern themes and aesthetics.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of sōsaku-hanga reflect the societal changes during the Taishō period in Japan?
  • The emergence of sōsaku-hanga during the Taishō period mirrored the societal changes as Japan transitioned into a more modern and democratic society. This era saw an increase in individualism and a break from traditional norms, encouraging artists to assert their personal creative voices. As the country grappled with new ideas about identity and expression, sōsaku-hanga allowed artists to move away from collective production methods, embracing a more personal approach to art-making.
• Discuss how sōsaku-hanga differs from traditional ukiyo-e prints in terms of artistic control and production.
  • Sōsaku-hanga fundamentally differs from traditional ukiyo-e prints in that it emphasizes artistic control and individual expression. While ukiyo-e relied on a collaborative model where different artisans specialized in design, carving, and printing, sōsaku-hanga artists took full ownership of the entire process. This meant they not only conceptualized their work but also executed every aspect of it themselves, resulting in prints that are deeply personal reflections of their creators' visions.
• Evaluate the impact of Western artistic influences on the development of sōsaku-hanga and its legacy in contemporary art.
  • Western artistic influences played a crucial role in shaping sōsaku-hanga as artists began to explore concepts of individuality, abstraction, and innovative techniques. The integration of these influences allowed for greater experimentation within the print medium, positioning sōsaku-hanga as a vital movement that bridged Eastern and Western art traditions. Its legacy continues today as contemporary Japanese artists draw upon its principles of personal expression and artistic autonomy while engaging with global art dialogues.

Related terms

Ukiyo-e: A genre of Japanese woodblock prints that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century, often depicting landscapes, kabuki actors, and beautiful women.

Nihonga: A style of traditional Japanese painting that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of natural pigments and traditional techniques.

Printmaking: The process of creating artworks by printing, typically on paper, which includes techniques like etching, lithography, and woodblock printing.