OHNO
COLLECTING JAPANESE PRINTS FEATURED SHIN HANGA ARTISTBakufu Ohno
1888–1976
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his work in the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, which revitalized traditional Japanese woodblock printing in the early 20th century by blending traditional techniques with Western realism and modern sensibilities.
Born in Tokyo, Ohno initially trained in Western-style painting (yōga) but eventually turned to woodblock printmaking. He gained recognition for his meticulous detail, refined compositions, and deep appreciation of nature. His most famous body of work is the “Great Japanese Fish Picture Collection” (Dai Nihon Gyorui Gashu), a series of woodblock prints created in the 1930s that celebrated the beauty and diversity of marine life in Japan. These prints are highly regarded for their scientific accuracy, aesthetic quality, and harmonious color palettes.
Ohno continued to create art into the postwar period, maintaining his dedication to craftsmanship and traditional techniques. His legacy endures through his contributions to shin-hanga and his distinctive depictions of the natural world.

