This special exhibition attempts to respond to the increasing number of Mokuhanga print makers around the world. The purpose of this exhibition is to focus on the artist’s viewpoints on techniques and materials and also to explore why Mokuhanga is so special and interesting. The exhibition is divided into seven sections, each with its own theme. Each section displays the art works and the objects related to the themes. By introducing the many facets of woodcut print making, we hope that this exhibition will provide a place of discovery for both print artists and viewers.

[1] Great Japanese Nude
This section explores how woodcut works faces and treats the age-old theme of the female nude.

[2] Bonmawashi
We introduce Japanese culture items, such as senjafuda (votive cards) and “pochi bukuro” (small envelopes for tips or gratuity), which are based on woodcut printing.

[3] Mokuhanga to Hold in Your Hands
An exhibit of books ― the starting point of woodcut printing ― produced in the Edo and Meiji periods from the University Library and Unsodo collections.

[4] The Tale of Genji in Woodcut
An introduction to a major project carried out from the prewar through to the postwar years: the production of a replica in woodcut of a National Treasure ― the maki-e of the Tale of Genji.

[5] Geidai Collection
We unveil the woodcut works of the collection of Tokyo University of the Arts.

[6] Carve／Print／Place
We focus attention on the space in which woodcuts are produced and re-create in the exhibition galleries the working space of traditional artisans.

[7] Maps of Future Predictions
This section introduces today’s mokuhanga by looking at the works produced by current, established print makers.


[Special Program]
Traditional Woodcut Demonstration by The Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints
Master cutters and printers from The Adachi Institute will perform live in the artisans’ working space replica set that will be on display in the exhibition galleries.
[1] Aug 31 (Sun) 13:00-15:00
[2] Sep 12 (Fri) 13:00-15:00