Rappa-Shu (Trumpeter) I 1959

Tadashi Nakayama made this abstract print, "Rappa-Shu (Trumpeter) I," using woodblock printing, a technique deeply rooted in Japanese craft traditions. The work’s power resides in the contrast between the graphic clarity of the shapes and the textural richness achieved through the wood grain and layering of colors. Each color likely required a separate block, carefully carved and registered to build up the final image. This labor-intensive process speaks to the value placed on meticulous craftsmanship, where the hand of the artist is evident in every print. Nakayama’s choice of woodblock printing connects him to a long lineage of artisans, and his abstract approach breaks from the traditional subject matter of landscapes or figures. The resulting tension underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. By focusing on the materials and making of "Rappa-Shu", we can appreciate how Nakayama elevates printmaking to a powerful form of artistic expression.