Ascension (A)
by Ouchi Makoto
- Date:
- mid 20th century
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Dimensions:
- 63.3 × 32.7 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
"Ascension (A)" is a mid-twentieth-century woodblock print rendered in ink and color on paper by Ouchi Makoto. The title evokes upward movement and spiritual elevation, themes that Ouchi explored through layered color fields and organic forms derived from the natural world. Working during a period when Japanese printmakers were actively synthesizing Eastern craft traditions with Western modernist ideas, Ouchi brought a contemplative quality to his compositions. The "(A)" designation indicates this is the first in a series or pair, with the artist revisiting the ascension motif from different angles. The woodblock medium allows for soft, luminous color transitions that reinforce the sense of rising and dissolution implied by the title.
More Prints by Ouchi Makoto
More Landscapes Prints
Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Autumn Maple Leaves at Takao, from the album Eight Views of Kyoto (Kyôto hakkei)
Woodblock print
The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Tea Kettle, section of a sheet from the series "Mirror of Stone Rubbings of Views of the Provinces" (Kohon meihitsu ishizuri kagami)
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ascension (A) was created by Ouchi Makoto (大内マコト) in mid 20th century.
Ascension (A) depicts landscapes and abstract.
Ascension (A) measures 63.3 × 32.7 cm.