Takeji Asano - The Woodblock Master

Episode 173

Takeji Asano, born in 1900 in Kyoto, Japan, was a masterful woodblock print artist whose works continue to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide. His journey into the world of art began at the Kyoto City School of Fine Arts and Crafts, from which he graduated in 1919. Eager to refine his skills, he furthered his studies at the Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting, completing his education in 1923. During this period, Asano was mentored by Tsuchida Bakusen, a distinguished artist and printmaker, who profoundly influenced his artistic development. 

In 1929, Asano co-founded the Kyoto Creative Print Society (Kyoto Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai), marking his commitment to the sōsaku-hanga movement. This movement emphasized the artist's direct involvement in every stage of printmaking—designing, carving, and printing—allowing for greater personal expression. Asano's dedication to this philosophy set him apart from many of his contemporaries. 

The 1930s saw Asano contributing to the "Creative Prints of Twelve Months in New Kyoto" (Sosaku-hanga shin Kyoto junikagetsu), a series that celebrated the city's evolving landscape. Collaborating with fellow artists Benji Asada and Tomikichiro Tokuriki, Asano's prints from this series showcased his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of Kyoto's transformation. 

As the 1950s approached, Asano began designing landscape prints for the publisher Unsodo. These works, characterized by their serene beauty and meticulous craftsmanship, remain highly sought after by collectors. Original Unsodo prints bear the Japanese date in the margin, distinguishing them from modern reprints. 

Throughout his career, Asano exhibited a remarkable versatility. While he initially embraced the sōsaku-hanga approach, handling all aspects of print production himself, he later collaborated with carvers, printers, and publishers in the shin-hanga tradition. This adaptability not only broadened his artistic repertoire but also enriched the Japanese printmaking landscape. 

Asano's legacy is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft. His prints, often depicting tranquil landscapes and traditional scenes, offer a window into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Today, his works are celebrated for their artistic merit and historical significance, solidifying Takeji Asano's place as a luminary in the world of Japanese woodblock printing.