Shiko Munakata, (1903-1975)

nude in a square

sumizuri-e; signed in pencilled kanji, Shiko, and in English, Munakata, and dated (unclearly), possibly October 4, 1960, with red artist's seal

40.5 by 38 cm.

Munakata's family belong to a sect of Zen Buddhism, but his father, a blacksmith, observed many Shinto practices. This traditional upbringing permeates his work. His favorite subjects were often Buddhist or Shinto, but it is also evident in his approach to the work. He spoke of the force of natural spirits found in all around, and in the wood boards he carved: "There is a power in the board, and one cannot force the tool against that power. It is this power outside the artist, rather than any power within him, that dominates the creation of hanga" (Shiko Munakata, by Yojuro Yasuda, translated by Oliver Statler, 1958, p. 81)