Shiro Kasamatsu - the woodblock master of serenity Shiro Kasamatsu is one of Japan’s most celebrated woodblock printmakers of the 20th century, revered for his deep respect for Japanese tradition. His work is marked by a fusion of traditional Japanese themes with modern elements, painting landscapes, cityscapes, and scenes from daily life. Kasamatsu’s journey into the world of art began under the tutelage of Kaburagi Kiyokata, a master known for his bijin-ga or paintings of beautiful women. However, young Kasamatsu was drawn more toward landscapes than portraiture. He adopted the pseudonym Shiro, a name given by Kiyokata, and began to explore woodblock printing. Kasamatsu’s career as a woodblock print artist took off under the Shin Hanga movement, which aimed to revitalize Japanese woodblock printing by merging traditional techniques with contemporary themes. This movement was largely guided by publishers like Shōzaburō Watanabe, who discovered Kasamatsu and commissioned his first woodblock designs in 1919. The Shin Hanga style focused on rich colors and detailed textures, and often highlighted Japan’s natural landscapes and seasonal changes. Kasamatsu’s early prints depict serene temples, misty forests, and the quiet beauty of rural life. Read the full article about Shiro Kasamatsu via link in bio or yokogaomag.com