Modernism and Deco

Just as Japanese graphic arts went out into the world, graphic styles from around the world came to Japan. Still other modern styles were native born. Bigger, bolder patterns were replaced the refined komon patterns in the 20th Century.

Traditional motifs like mist or cherry blossoms take on streamlined contours. Other stencils, though carved by hand, mimic the right angles of machine-loomed patterns.  Continuing the historical importance of striped patterns, stepped stripes convey the profiles of modernist architecture. See more in this show or search “bold”, Modern, Deco and Art Nouveau in the catalog to find more related to this period.