Haku Maki

Printmaker

Haku Maki (1924–2000) was a Japanese printmaker known for his innovative approach to traditional woodblock printing. He was part of the sōsaku hanga (creative print) movement, where artists designed, carved, and printed their own works rather than relying on artisans. Maki’s work is distinguished by its textural depth, achieved through embossing techniques that gave his prints a sculptural, almost three-dimensional quality. He often incorporated calligraphic characters, abstract compositions, and symbolic imagery, blending elements of modern abstraction with traditional Japanese aesthetics. His prints frequently featured kanji (Chinese characters), pottery motifs, and geometric forms with a rich interplay of shadows and textures.

Maki gained international recognition for his unique fusion of traditional woodblock methods and contemporary artistic expression, making him a celebrated figure in post-war Japanese printmaking.