A Century of Yoshida Hiroshi’s Woodblock Printing

Yoshida Hiroshi (1876–1950) was a central figure in leading Western-style painting in Japan, whose influence was extending to the genres of watercolor, oil painting and woodblock printing in the early 20th century. He published his first woodblock prints based on his drawings at the age of 44, followed by his first print collection when he was 49. He aspired to create a new artistic style by combining the realistic rendering of European paintings and traditional techniques of Japanese woodcut. It is precisely 100 years ago that Yoshida made the overseas trip that became the very first step in his career as a woodblock artist. This 1923 trip left in Yoshida a profound impression that Japanese woodblock printing was in dire need for new expressions. His United States and Europe Series were the first published collections which he oversaw the production following this trip. He then continued dedicating his passion to woodblock printing as much as to oil painting in the latter part of his life. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to revisit the world of his woodblock printing through 80 prints for witnessing the never-waning charm and beauty of his work.