Onchi Kōshirō

Onchi Kōshirō was a Japanese artist born in 1891 and passed away in 1955, recognized as a pivotal figure in the sōsaku hanga movement. This movement emphasized the artist's involvement in every step of the printmaking process, from design to carving and printing, distinguishing itself from the traditional ukiyo-e approach. Onchi's innovative work in abstract and non-representational art significantly influenced the development of modern Japanese printmaking. He co-founded the First Thursday Society (Ichimokukai), which became a crucial platform for artists to exchange ideas and promote creative freedom. Throughout his career, Onchi's contributions extended beyond printmaking to include book design and illustration, further cementing his legacy in the Japanese art world. His dedication to artistic expression and experimentation left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists.