The Portland Japanese Garden has launched its first major exhibition of 2026, "Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints," running through June 16th. This showcase explores the evolution of mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique that originated in the 17th century as an accessible art form for the masses. The exhibition features a diverse array of works ranging from historical masterpieces to contemporary interpretations by artists from Portland, Japan, and across the United States.
This exhibition is significant as it marks the first formal collaboration between the Portland Japanese Garden and the Honolulu Museum of Art. By pairing iconic figures like Kawase Hasui with American modernists such as Richard Diebenkorn and contemporary illustrators like Aya Morton, the show highlights the global endurance and technical versatility of the mokuhanga medium. It also underscores the garden's role as a cultural bridge, supported by major regional philanthropists including Jordan Schnitzer.