Biography
Mayumi Oda, born in 1941 in Tokyo to a Buddhist monk father and an artist mother, is a pioneering feminist printmaker, activist, and Buddhist teacher often called "The Matisse of Japan" for the fluid, joyful treatment of her female subjects. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts in 1966, then traveled to Europe before settling in New York, where she studied at the Pratt Graphic Center.
Oda's art is distinguished by her celebration of the feminine form — voluptuous female figures, often depicted as goddesses, with deliberately exaggerated proportions that convey strength and vitality. Drawing on her deep Buddhist background, her subjects range from Buddhist deities Kannon and Tara to classical Aphrodite and Gaia. Major series include "Treasure Ship Goddesses," "Rainbow Female Buddhas," and "Wheel of Dharma Vegetables."
Her prints span more than 55 years and over 300 works, and are held by major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Key Facts
- Active Period
- 1941
- Nationality
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Movement
- Contemporary Mokuhanga
- Works Indexed
- 103
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mayumi Oda known for?
Mayumi Oda, born in 1941 in Tokyo to a Buddhist monk father and an artist mother, is a pioneering feminist printmaker, activist, and Buddhist teacher often called "The Matisse of Japan" for the fluid, joyful treatment of her female subjects. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts in 1966, then traveled to Europe before settling in New York, where she studied at the Pratt Graphic Center.
When was Mayumi Oda active?
Mayumi Oda was active born in 1941. They were associated with the Contemporary Mokuhanga movement.
What artistic movements influenced Mayumi Oda?
Mayumi Oda's work was shaped by the Contemporary Mokuhanga tradition in Japanese woodblock printmaking. Contemporary Mokuhanga: Contemporary mokuhanga (literally "wood-block print") encompasses artists working from approximately 1970 to the present who continue or reinvent traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques.
Where can I see Mayumi Oda's original prints?
Original prints by Mayumi Oda can be found in collections including Art Institute of Chicago, ukiyo-e.org, robynbuntin.
Woodblock Prints by Mayumi Oda (103)
Yang Kuei Fei
1978
Color woodblock print
Robyn Buntin of Honolulu
Woodblock print
Robyn Buntin of Honolulu
Woodblock print
Kanzeon and Dolphin (AP)
Woodblock print
Oda, Mayumi
Woodblock print
totalCount
Woodblock print
Treasure Ship, Goddess of all Animals (4/50)
Woodblock print
In The Pond Diptych (27/50)
Woodblock print
Ancient Sea II, Nautilus (12/13)
Woodblock print
Chase (21/30)
Woodblock print
Artemis (27/50)
Woodblock print
Spring Fragrance (8/45)
Woodblock print
Victorian Invention, The Pedspeed (AP)
Woodblock print
Net of Compassion (67/100)
Woodblock print
Madonna Bear (45/60)
Woodblock print
Open Secret (35/50)
Woodblock print
Autumn Flowers (17/69)
Woodblock print
Night of Tanabata (14/45)
Woodblock print
Heart Sutra with Sea Turtle (42/50)
Woodblock print
Kitchen Kannon (61/80)
Woodblock print
Breath II (AP)
Woodblock print
Heart Sutra with Taro (21/50)
Woodblock print
Wave of Bliss (A/P)
Woodblock print
Storyville III (21/50)
Woodblock print
Storyville IV (14/50)
Woodblock print
Woman Calendar, Flower Viewing (AP)
Woodblock print
Spring Shadow (31/50)
Woodblock print
Wind Goddess (Gold) (38/50)
Woodblock print
Ebisu (29/40)
Woodblock print
Treasure Ship, Goddess of Earth (AP)
Woodblock print
Fish Overland in Rain Diptych (20/40)
Woodblock print
Bliss of the Sea II (40/50)
Woodblock print
I Ka Leo O Ke Kai Diptych (15/58)
Woodblock print
Woman Calendar (1/10)
Woodblock print
Ancient Sea, Spider Conch (27/45)
Woodblock print
Haumea (38/100)
Woodblock print
Turtle Island (14/40)
Woodblock print
Chant of the Ocean Diptych
Woodblock print
Kannonkyo II (37/66)
Woodblock print
Towards The Light, Fern Grove (34/50)
Woodblock print
Victorian Invention, An Aerial Cycle (26/50)
Woodblock print
Victorian Invention, The Locomotive (23/30)
Woodblock print
Girls Kite, Dragon (11/50)
Woodblock print
In The Garden, They Came Here (44/45) Diptych
Woodblock print
Mamala, The Surf Rider (37/50)
Woodblock print
Rainbow Serpent (34/100)
Woodblock print
Kanzeon and Deer (66/66)
Woodblock print
Manjusri and the Sea Turtle Diptych (22/50)
Woodblock print
Merciful Sea Diptych
Woodblock print
Golden Sea Diptych
Woodblock print
Dive (20/XXX)
Woodblock print
Fukudako (25/66)
Woodblock print
Kannon and Golden Dragon, Green (57/100)
Woodblock print
Green Gulch Seed Catalogue - Golden Beet (44/50)
Woodblock print
Woman Calendar Big, September Afternoon (27/50)
Woodblock print
Woman Calendar Big, Beauty in the Offing (3/50)
Woodblock print
Untitled (oda-mayumi)
Woodblock print
Untitled (oda-mayumi)
Woodblock print
Untitled (oda-mayumi)
Woodblock print
Untitled (oda-mayumi)
Woodblock print