Biography
Hiratsuka Un'ichi (1895-1997) was one of the founding figures of the sosaku-hanga (creative print) movement in Japan. Born in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, he studied Western-style painting before turning to printmaking under the influence of Yamamoto Kanae, whose 1904 print "Fisherman" is considered the birth of sosaku-hanga. Hiratsuka became a tireless advocate for the principle that artists should design, carve, and print their own works, in contrast to the collaborative ukiyo-e and shin-hanga traditions.
Throughout his extraordinarily long career spanning over eight decades, Hiratsuka created more than 3,000 prints, predominantly bold black-and-white woodcuts characterized by strong contrasts and dynamic compositions. His subjects ranged from Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to modern cityscapes, rendered with a distinctively powerful cutting technique. He was instrumental in organizing the Nihon Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai (Japan Creative Print Association) in 1918 and mentored generations of younger printmakers including Takeji Asano and Tomikichiro Tokuriki.
In 1962, Hiratsuka moved to Washington, D.C., where he continued to create prints and teach at several American universities until his return to Japan. He received numerous honors including the Order of the Sacred Treasure and was designated a Living National Treasure candidate. His longevity — he lived to 102 — made him a living link between the pre-war origins of sosaku-hanga and its postwar international recognition.
Key Facts
- Active Period
- 1895–1997
- Nationality
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Movement
- Sōsaku-hanga
- Works Indexed
- 239
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiratsuka Un'ichi known for?
Hiratsuka Un'ichi (1895-1997) was one of the founding figures of the sosaku-hanga (creative print) movement in Japan. Born in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, he studied Western-style painting before turning to printmaking under the influence of Yamamoto Kanae, whose 1904 print "Fisherman" is considered the birth of sosaku-hanga. Hiratsuka became a tireless advocate for the principle that artists should design, carve, and print their own works, in contrast to the collaborative ukiyo-e and shin-hanga traditions.
When was Hiratsuka Un'ichi active?
Hiratsuka Un'ichi was active from 1895 to 1997. They were associated with the Sōsaku-hanga movement.
What artistic movements influenced Hiratsuka Un'ichi?
Hiratsuka Un'ichi's work was shaped by the Sōsaku-hanga tradition in Japanese woodblock printmaking. Sōsaku-hanga: The "creative prints" movement (c.
Where can I see Hiratsuka Un'ichi's original prints?
Original prints by Hiratsuka Un'ichi can be found in collections including Art Institute of Chicago.
Woodblock Prints by Hiratsuka Un'ichi (239)
Georgetown University Clock Tower
1967
Woodblock print
Brass Donkey from Turkey
1967
Woodblock print
Bridge Rail over the C & O Canal, Georgetown (Kanaru no rankan, Joojitaun)
1963
Woodblock print
Celestial Globe at Montrose Park (Tenkyugi, montoro-su paaku)
1963
Woodblock print
Three Gourds (Kabocha)
1963
Woodblock print
Locks on the C & O Canal (Kanaru no suimon)
1963
Woodblock print
Tree Stump (Kirikabu)
1963
Woodblock print
View of the Lakeshore at Matsue
1969
Woodblock print
Flower of the Evergreen Magnolia
1970
Woodblock print
Hokki-ji Temple, Nara
1970
Woodblock print
South Izu Peninsula
1970
Woodblock print
Mirror Number One
1970
Woodblock print
Mount Fuji from Kumoni Izu
1970
Woodblock print
Angel Dreaming Room
1971
Woodblock print
Stone Bodhisattva in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
1971
Woodblock print
Nude at Studio
1972
Woodblock print
Eucalyptus, Santa Monica, California
1973
Woodblock print
Persian Tile Design
1973
Woodblock print
Stone Wall of Kumamoto Castle
1973
Woodblock print
Hiunkaku at Nishihonganji, Kyoto
1969
Woodblock print, ink on paper
Greek Nude and Tang Period Flying Horse (Rafu To Temma)
1974
Woodblock print
Capitol, Washington, D.C.
1972
Woodblock print
Washing the Feet
1975
Woodblock print, ink on paper
Turkish Brass Donkey (Toruku shinchu no roba)
1976
Woodblock print
Portrait of a Girl with Accompanying Poem
1984
Woodblock print
Corn Husk Doll America
1985
Woodblock print
Georgetown Window, Washington, D.C.
1985
Woodblock print
Old Roof Tile of Kokobunji Temple, Izumo (Izumo Kokubunji Furu-gawara)
1985
Woodblock print
Stone Image of Bishunu
20th century
Woodblock print
Stone Observatory in Kiyonju
Woodblock print
Rice Fields in Valley ( sloping hill ) - decription
Woodblock print
Nude Woman in Pines, Bamboo and Plums background
Woodblock print
Saruhashi Bridge in Kai
Woodblock print
Old City in Kudara- Paekche- Korea
Woodblock print
Chrysanthemum
Woodblock print
Memory of a Journey
Woodblock print
SUKIYA-BASHI (Sukiya Bridge)
Woodblock print
January
Woodblock print
Untitled (unichi-hiratsuka)
Woodblock print
Untitled (unichi-hiratsuka)
Woodblock print
Untitled (unichi-hiratsuka)
Woodblock print
Untitled (unichi-hiratsuka)
Woodblock print
Höryüji Temple
Woodblock print
Bunraku Puppet: Yaoya Oshichi
Woodblock print
Unichi Hiratsuka (1895-1997)
Woodblock print
Tranquility
Woodblock print
Portrait Print of James A. Michener (Under drawing)
Woodblock print
Akasaka Diet Library
Shōwa period,
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Whose a Sleeve of a Wash Trough, Iwakuni
Woodblock print
![Title unknown [Temple grounds] by Hiratsuka Un'ichi](https://1.api.artsmia.org/800/135549.jpg)
Title unknown [Temple grounds]
mid 20th century
Woodblock print, ink on paper
Lakeside at the Byödö-In
Woodblock print
Torii Gate
Woodblock print
Megane Bridge in Nagasaki
Woodblock print
Main South Gate in Seoul
Woodblock print
Sutra Depositry at Iwaya-ji Temple, Aichi Prefecture
Woodblock print
Pagoda
Woodblock print
Sotoba in Forest ( Inner sanctuary of Mt. Köya)
Woodblock print
Stone Bodhisattva at Datong
Woodblock print
Yabakei-Rakan-ji in Rain
Woodblock print