MAKI HAKU

Maki Haku (1924–2000), born Maejima Tadaaki, was a prominent 20th-century Japanese sōsaku-hanga artist and former kamikaze pilot trainee. Lacking formal training, he studied under master Onchi Kōshirō, developing a highly distinct style characterized by deep textures and abstract typography.

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Haku pioneered a unique technique embossing designs into unprinted paper using carved plywood boards layered with wet cement, applying color afterward with stencils. He brilliantly distorted, rearranged, and stylized kanji (Chinese characters) to create serene, modern motifs rooted in Buddhist concepts. Today, his acclaimed prints are held in major global institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art.