Suzuki, Kason

Kason Suzuki (鈴木華邨, January 24, 1860 – January 3, 1919) was a prominent Japanese woodblock printer known for his masterful technique and unique style. Born in Tokyo, Suzuki began his artistic training as a student at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. After graduating, he studied woodblock printing under the tutelage of the celebrated artist and master printer Un’ichi Hiratsuka.

Suzuki’s style is characterized by its delicate lines, intricate details, and rich colors. His prints often depict scenes from Japanese folklore and mythology, as well as landscapes and nature. He was particularly known for his use of the “bokashi” technique, which involves creating subtle gradations of color by using a special tool to apply ink to the woodblock.

One of Suzuki’s most famous works is his series of prints depicting the “Tales of Ise,” a collection of classical Japanese poetry. The series features elegant depictions of natural scenes and landscapes, rendered with the artist’s signature attention to detail and use of color.

Suzuki’s work earned him international recognition, and he exhibited his prints in galleries and museums around the world. He was awarded numerous prizes and honors, including the prestigious Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government.

In addition to his work as an artist, Suzuki was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at several art schools and institutions throughout his career, including the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the Japan Print Association. Many of his students went on to become prominent woodblock printers in their own right; Ohara Koson (1877-1945), a famous woodblock printmaker, was one of his students.

Sources:

• “Kason Suzuki: Master Printmaker” by Naoko Takahatake, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (2018)
• “The Art of Kason Suzuki” by Richard Lane, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (1984)
• “Japanese Woodblock Prints: Artists, Publishers and Masterworks 1680-1900” by Andreas Marks, Tuttle Publishing (2010)