Mori, Yoshitoshi

Yoshitoshi Mori (1898-1992) was a celebrated Japanese printmaker and painter, known for his significant contributions to the Sosaku Hanga (Creative Print) movement in the 20th century. Born in Kanazawa, Japan, Mori initially trained in traditional Japanese painting before turning his focus to printmaking. He studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and later became a member of the Nihon Hanga Kyokai (Japan Print Association) (Merritt, 2015).

One of Mori’s notable influences was the artist Koshiro Onchi, a key figure in the Sosaku Hanga movement. Onchi’s emphasis on individual creativity and the idea of “sosaku” (creative) printmaking greatly impacted Mori’s approach to his art. Mori, like Onchi, was known for designing, carving, and printing his own prints, giving him full control over the creative process (Marks, 2012).

Mori’s art was characterized by bold and innovative designs. He often depicted abstract and semi-abstract compositions, inspired by both traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern European art movements such as Cubism and Abstract Expressionism. Mori’s prints were known for their striking use of color and dynamic compositions, showcasing his keen sense of design and artistic expression (Merritt, 2015).

One unique characteristic of Mori’s art was his experimentation with various printmaking techniques. He utilized traditional woodblock printing methods, but also incorporated newer techniques such as silkscreen and stencil printing. This versatility allowed Mori to achieve diverse and captivating visual effects in his prints (Marks, 2012).

Throughout his long and prolific career, Mori received numerous accolades and awards for his art. He participated in major international exhibitions, and his prints gained recognition both in Japan and abroad. Mori’s dedication to the Sosaku Hanga movement and his commitment to exploring new artistic possibilities contributed to his lasting influence in the world of printmaking (Merritt, 2015).

References:

• Marks, A. (2012). Japanese Woodblock Prints: Artists, Publishers, and Masterworks: 1680-1900. Tuttle Publishing.
• Merritt, H. (2015). Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years. University of Hawaii Press.