I love Autumn. Autumn is the season when the air begins to carry a refreshing coolness, and the world seems a little quieter and calmer. In Japan, after the hot, humid and busy summer comes the time when people appreciate the change of season and perfect weather to enjoy a lot of different things such as eating, sports, reading and art. There is a phrase that we often use for this season that goes 'XX の秋 (XX no aki)' which translates as 'Autumn, the season of XX'. The phrase reflects the fact that you feel more comfortable doing a lot of different things in this season. You would definitely come across it if you were in Japan now!
Today, I would like to focus on 'the season of the Art'. At The Japanese Shop, we have a wide range of authentic Japanese gifts and the Art collection is one of them. From traditional woodblock prints and notecards with designs from famous artists to contemporary art, you will find something that catches your fancy. I would like to introduce you to more about these artists today.
Katushika Hokusai
(Red Fuji Fine Wind Clear Morning Japanese Print)
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a famous ukiyo-e* artist, best known for 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' from his 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji' (1831). His dynamic compositions, vibrant colours, and intricate details often focused on landscapes and nature. Over his career, Hokusai produced around 30,000 works, including prints and paintings, and his art influenced Western artists during the Japonisme** movement in the 19th century.
*Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese art; more details on our blog 'Pictures of the Floating World: History of Ukiyo-e Prints'
**Japonisme is a French term that reflects the deep appreciation and influence of Japanese art and design amongst many Western European artists in the nineteenth century.
Utagawa Hiroshige
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a notable ukiyo-e artist known for his landscape prints. His most famous work, ‘The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō’ (1833–1834), captures scenic views along the route between Edo and Kyoto. Hiroshige’s art is characterised by soft colours, atmospheric effects, and a focus on nature and everyday life. His work influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet, contributing to the Japonisme movement in Europe. More details about Hiroshige on our previous blogs: Utagawa Hiroshige: Master of Japanese Woodblock Prints
Saren Nagata
Saren Nagata (b.1981) is a calligraphy artist born in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo. Her stunning contemporary work is known for its skilfully combined classic kanji (Chinese characters) and vibrant colours inspired by beautiful flowers. She was introduced to the art of Japanese calligraphy when she was just three years old and qualified as a professional calligrapher in 2002. She is in constant demand as a teacher and lecturer, and regularly shares the secrets behind her art in workshops.
Kawase Hasui
Hasui Kawase (1883–1957) was a Japanese woodblock print artist known for his serene and ambient landscapes. A leading figure in the shin-hanga* (new prints) movement, his work often featured rural and urban scenes, capturing Japan’s natural beauty with a focus on light, weather, and seasonal changes. His prints are admired for their delicate detail and tranquil mood.
* The shin-hanga movement (in the 1910s and 1920s), which means "new prints," was a 20th-century revival of traditional Japanese woodblock printing. It sought to modernize the ukiyo-e style while preserving its traditional craftsmanship.
Kazuyuki Ohtsu
(Kazuyuki Ohtsu Cherry Trees Box 20 Notecards)
Kazuyuki Ohtsu (b.1935) is a Japanese woodblock print artist known for his serene, minimalist landscapes. His work captures rural scenes and seasonal beauty with soft colours and simple compositions, reflecting a deep connection to nature.
Ohara Shoson (Koson)
(Ohara Shoson Keepsake Box 16 Japanese Notecards)
Ohara Shoson (1877–1945) was a Japanese woodblock print artist known for his kacho-e (bird-and-flower) prints. His works beautifully portray birds, flowers, and animals with fine detail and delicate colour. Shoson was part of the shin-hanga movement, which revived traditional Japanese printmaking techniques whilst incorporating Western elements. His prints are highly regarded for their elegance and precision.
Shinzaburo Takahashi
(Shinzaburo Takahashi Gift Box Set 20 Japanese Cards)
Shinzaburo Takahashi (b.1955) is known for his beautiful paintings that express Japan's landscapes and architecture with a magical, poetic quality. Inspired by nihonga artist Ikuo Hirayama, Takahashi uses pigments and washi paper to beautifully portray the changing seasons, capturing Japan's natural beauty while honouring the style of his predecessors.
I hope that you now know more about those famous Japanese artists and appreciate their stunning work. If you would like to elevate your home décor or add a touch of Japanese elegance to your room, why don't you welcome their artwork to your home? Authentic woodblock prints and affordable Japanese prints are available. For something little, we have handkerchiefs, shot glasses, high-quality cards etc., too!
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