Biography
Maeda Masao (前田政雄, 1904–1974) was a sosaku-hanga woodblock print artist born in Hakodate, Hokkaido. After meeting sosaku-hanga leader Hiratsuka Un'ichi in 1923, he joined the Yoyogi Group of printmakers and devoted himself entirely to printmaking by 1940. He is celebrated for his striking landscape prints, especially mountain views featuring bold black line work and sophisticated color, influenced by both Western painting and the Nihonga tradition.
Key Facts
- Active Period
- 1904–1974
- Nationality
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Movement
- Sōsaku-hanga
- Works Indexed
- 119
Frequently Asked Questions
Maeda Masao (前田政雄, 1904–1974) was a sosaku-hanga woodblock print artist born in Hakodate, Hokkaido. After meeting sosaku-hanga leader Hiratsuka Un'ichi in 1923, he joined the Yoyogi Group of printmakers and devoted himself entirely to printmaking by 1940. He is celebrated for his striking landscape prints, especially mountain views featuring bold black line work and sophisticated color, influenced by both Western painting and the Nihonga tradition.
Maeda Masao was active from 1904 to 1974. They were associated with the Sōsaku-hanga movement.
Maeda Masao's work was shaped by the Sōsaku-hanga tradition in Japanese woodblock printmaking. Sōsaku-hanga: The "creative prints" movement (c.
Original prints by Maeda Masao can be found in collections including Harvard Art Museums, Art of Japan, Art Institute of Chicago, wbp.
Maeda Masao was a master of kokanga (woodblock printing using the natural wood grain as an integral element), creating deeply atmospheric prints that showcase the beauty of the wood itself. Most prints sell for $1,000–$5,000, with major compositions reaching $8,000–$15,000. Smaller works are available at $300–$1,000. His market has been growing as collectors discover the subtle beauty of his wood-grain technique.