Exploring the Allure of Modern Japanese Prints: A Comprehensive Guide to Statler's Collection

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

The Statler Collection of Modern Japanese Prints is a renowned collection of over 10,000 works by some of the most celebrated Japanese artists of the 20th century. Spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, the collection offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of modern Japanese printmaking, with a particular focus on the Ukiyo-e, Shin-hanga, and Sosaku-hanga movements.

The collection was amassed over a period of decades by American businessman and philanthropist Ellsworth Statler, who had a deep appreciation for Japanese art and culture. Statler's passion for Japanese prints led him to acquire a vast number of works, which he generously donated to the Cornell University Library in 1969.

Today, the Statler Collection is one of the most important repositories of modern Japanese prints in the world. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and art enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant artistry of Japanese printmaking.

The Ukiyo-e Tradition

Ukiyo-e, meaning "pictures of the floating world," is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints that flourished in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Ukiyo-e prints depicted scenes from everyday life, including landscapes, portraits, and kabuki theater. They were often produced in large numbers and sold to a wide audience.

The Statler Collection includes a significant number of Ukiyo-e prints by some of the most famous artists of the genre, including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Ando Hiroshige. These prints offer a glimpse into the vibrant and bustling world of Edo-period Japan.

The Shin-hanga Movement

Shin-hanga, meaning "new prints," was a movement that emerged in Japan in the early 20th century. Shin-hanga artists sought to revive the traditional Ukiyo-e style, but with a more modern sensibility. They used new printing techniques and materials to create prints that were more refined and detailed than traditional Ukiyo-e.

The Statler Collection includes a large number of Shin-hanga prints by some of the most important artists of the movement, including Kawase Hasui, Ito Shinsui, and Ohara Koson. These prints depict a wide range of subjects, from traditional landscapes to modern cityscapes.

The Sosaku-hanga Movement

Sosaku-hanga, meaning "creative prints," was a movement that emerged in Japan in the 1910s. Sosaku-hanga artists sought to break away from the traditional Ukiyo-e and Shin-hanga styles and create prints that were more personal and expressive.

The Statler Collection includes a number of Sosaku-hanga prints by some of the most important artists of the movement, including Munakata Shiko, Hiratsuka Un'ichi, and Onchi Koshiro. These prints often depict abstract or symbolic imagery, and they explore a wide range of themes, from social commentary to personal introspection.

Exploring the Collection

The Statler Collection of Modern Japanese Prints is housed at the Cornell University Library in Ithaca, New York. The collection is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to view the prints in person.

In addition to the physical collection, the Statler Collection also has an online presence. The Statler Collection website provides access to a digital catalog of the collection, as well as a number of educational resources.