DISCOVER: The Work of Okiie Hashimoto
Okiie Hashimoto remains one of Japan’s most renowned and respected woodblock printers, whose striking work pushed the boundaries of tradition in mid-twentieth century Japan.
Born in 1899, Hashimoto spent most of his life as an art teacher and assistant principle of the first girls’ high school in Tokyo. Whilst teaching, he became a prominent member of the Yoyogi group - an iconic circle of woodblock printers -having attended Un’ichi Hiratsuka’s short course in woodblock printing after graduating. Working in the sosaku-hanga style, also known as ‘creative prints’, Hashimoto developed his definitive style, ignoring the process of collaboration between carver, printer, artist and eventual publisher. Influenced by Western ideals, Hashimoto and the Yoyogi group broke from tradition by insisting on artistic autonomy - from initial idea, to cutting and printing.
Today Hashimoto’s work is instantly recognisable through its bold use of colour and unique depiction of iconic Japanese scenes and landscapes.
