Lecture
Tradition and Transformation: Japanese Woodblock Prints from Meiji to 20th Century mokuhanga
- Monika Hinkel (SOAS/ University of London)
- Date
- Wednesday 30 April 2025
- Time
- Series
- Leiden Lecture Series in Japanese Studies
- Location
-
Lipsius
Cleveringaplaats 1
2311 BD Leiden - Room
- 0.11
This lecture explores the rich history and evolution of Japanese woodblock prints, tracing its journey from the vibrant prints of the Meiji period (1868-1912) to the innovative works of mokuhanga in the 20th century, highlighting the interplay between tradition and innovation. It examines how woodblock printing navigated the tides of modernisation and how increasing Western influences and shifting cultural values reshaped this iconic art form during the Meiji era. Key artists and topics will be discussed.
Moreover, the talk showcases how traditional mokuhanga techniques were preserved, adapted, and reimagined in the works of 20th-century mokuhanga artists, highlighting the dynamic evolution of Japanese woodblock prints. The talk provides a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy, artistic redefinition and global impact of Japanese woodblock printing, which continues to inspire artists worldwide, blending craftsmanship with contemporary vision.
About the speaker
Monika Hinkel (PhD) is a lecturer and curator of Japanese art. She is the convenor of the Arts of Japan and Korea module of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art at SOAS, University of London. She received her PhD from Bonn University (2006). Monika has worked as a curator for Japanese art at the Museum of East Asian Art, Cologne and lived in Japan for many years. Between 2001 and 2004, she was a Guest researcher at Gakushuin University, Tokyo. Since 2008, she has been based at SOAS. Her special research interest is Japanese woodblock prints, Japonism, and contemporary interpretations of Ukiyo-e. In 2024, she curated the exhibition Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London.