A tale of two artists who redefined Japanese printmaking in an era of rapid transformation.

In the twentieth-century revival of Japanese printmaking, Kurosaki Akira and Nakabayashi Tadayoshi emerged as visionary artists who united tradition and innovation. Japanese Printmakers of the Twentieth-Century Renaissance details their profound contributions to this artistic renaissance, where rigorous training in traditional woodblock techniques met bold experimentation in form and abstraction.

Though born in the same year and trained in similar methods, Kurosaki and Nakabayashi forged distinct artistic paths. Kurosaki’s striking compositions and dynamic storytelling contrast with Nakabayashi’s precise, atmospheric renderings—yet both played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of printmaking. Their work reflects the creative explosion of post-war Japan, capturing a moment when self-expression and technical reinvention transformed the medium.

Accompanying a major exhibition, this volume contextualizes their legacy with relevant commentary and a contribution from Noda Tetsuya. It outlines the evolution of printmaking and the enduring impact of two of its greatest masters, making it a vital reference for scholars and admirers of Japanese art.