Munakata Shikō
1960
Donated by the artist
Born in Aomori Prefecture, the woodblock printmaker Munakata Shikō (1903–1975) is associated with the sōsaku-hanga movement and the mingei (folk art) movement. He first moved to Tokyo in 1924, determined to become a professional oil painter. After several years, one of his oil paintings was finally accepted by the Bunten (Japan Art Academy Exhibition) in 1928.
From 1928 onwards, he studied wood carving under Hiratsuka Unichi, another renowned sōsaku-hanga printmaker, and went on to produce some highly acclaimed works. His career as a printmaker was cemented through his friendship with Yanagi Sōetsu (1889–1961), father of the mingei (folk art) movement. Munakata went on to receive numerous awards on the international stage, including the Prize of Excellence at the Second International Print Exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1952. His works are highly expressive, many overflowing with religious spirituality and passion. Besides his woodblock prints, his large body of work includes oil paintings, Japanese-style paintings, calligraphy and poetry.