Kunio Kaneko, Oh my Mai

Kunio Kaneko

Kunio Kaneko was born in Tokyo and graduated from the Musashino University of Fine Arts. He was a student of Joichi Hoshi and Kihei Sasajima. The artist works in the traditional Japanese technique of woodblock prints and he uses the traditional style baren, or a handheld disc-like tool with a flat bottom, often wrapped in a bamboo sheath.

His artworks have an individual appeal and blend the classic design traditions with a modernistic approach to colour and texture. The usual edition size is from 100 to 200 – signed and numbered. Some are monotypes while in others he uses gold leaf on coloured paper. With his elaborate technique, his rich printmaking style and his pleasing Japanese subjects, Kunio Kaneko is a real find for art lovers in and outside of Japan. The images have friendly colours and the artist often chooses words like ‘lucky’ or ‘happy’ for the prints’ titles, creating a charming and inviting atmosphere.

His woodblock prints have been exhibited internationally in Japan, Korea, the United States and Europe and he is a member of the Japan Print Association. He regularly exhibits at CWAJ Print Show, a highly respected annual exhibition and sale of contemporary Japanese prints.