Beneath the surface of the water, horses and men are in a complex struggle of stylized twisted bodies and limbs; fish swim about, unconcerned, while chariot wheel and bodies reach the river bottom. The light grey background sets off the bold stencil outlines and bright colors that further animate the composition of this remarkable, dramatic print.
The Woodblock Print
Issued in 1971, color stencil on hand crumpled momigami paper, edition: 16/70. Paper size 23″x27″, image size 18″x21″. This print is in excellent condition; bright, bold colors, clean margins, clean verso.
About the Artist
Sadao Watanabe (渡辺 禎雄, July 7, 1913 – January 8, 1996) was a highly regarded Japanese artist known for his significant contributions to the mingei (folk craft) movement. Watanabe’s artistic journey was shaped by his early exposure to traditional Japanese crafts and his deep appreciation for the mingei philosophy.
Growing up, Watanabe was influenced by the rich artistic heritage of Japan. He developed a strong affinity for traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, and lacquerware, which were deeply rooted in the mingei tradition. These early influences sparked his interest in the preservation and celebration of Japanese folk crafts. The mingei movement, founded by philosopher Yanagi Soetsu, sought to recognize and honor the beauty found in everyday objects created by anonymous artisans. This philosophy resonated with Watanabe, inspiring him to explore artistic expressions that celebrated the simplicity, functionality, and timeless appeal of traditional Japanese crafts.
Watanabe’s artistic practice primarily focused on printmaking, particularly the ukiyo-e woodblock printing technique. Drawing inspiration from mingei aesthetics, he combined the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional Japanese printmaking with his own artistic sensibilities. His prints often depicted scenes from nature, daily life, and religious narratives, reflecting the spirit of mingei through his unique visual interpretations.
Watanabe’s art gained recognition both in Japan and abroad, with his works exhibited in major galleries and museums. His participation in the annual Nitten exhibition, one of Japan’s most prestigious art events, further solidified his reputation as a prominent artist in the mingei tradition. Throughout his career, Watanabe remained committed to the ideals of mingei and actively promoted the recognition and preservation of traditional Japanese crafts. His dedication to reviving and reinvigorating this art form played a crucial role in the continued appreciation and understanding of mingei both within Japan and internationally.
Sources:
- Kanazawa, H. (2017). Sadao Watanabe and Mingei: An Artistic Fusion of Tradition and Modernity. In D. B. Stewart & C. S. E. Ross (Eds.), Traditions and Transitions: Curricula for Japanese Studies (pp. 72-83). Association for Asian Studies.
- Leach, B. (2000). Watanabe Sadao: Master of Mingei Stencil Printing. Impressions, 23, 8-15.
- Aso, M. (2007). The Japanese Crafts Movement: A Cultural History. University of Hawaii Press.
