Leaf and Cloud (Poem No. 22) 

Koshiro Onchi made "Leaf and Cloud (Poem No. 22)" using woodblock printmaking, a technique deeply rooted in Japanese artistic tradition. Onchi was a central figure in the sosaku-hanga movement which began in the early 20th century and promoted the idea of "self-prints," where artists controlled every stage of printmaking. This work reflects the movement's emphasis on individual expression, departing from the more commercial and collaborative nature of earlier ukiyo-e prints. The abstract shapes and natural elements evoke a sense of personal connection with nature, a theme common in Japanese art and culture, yet rendered here with a distinctly modern sensibility. To fully appreciate Onchi's work, it's crucial to explore the historical context of early 20th century Japanese art, examining the social and artistic debates surrounding tradition, modernity, and individual expression. We might look to period writings by Onchi and his contemporaries, along with museum collections and archives dedicated to the sosaku-hanga movement. Through this, we recognize art's capacity to both reflect and challenge its time.