RAWALPINDI - The art works of Japanese Woodblock Prints made by the participants of a week-long workshop held earlier was showcased in an exhibition arranged at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) here on Wednesday.
Takashi Katae, Chargé d' Affaires, Embassy of Japan, flanked by Resident Director RAC, Waqar Ahmed, former resident director Naheed Manzoor inaugurated the exhibition which was attended by a sizeable gathering of art lovers and general public. The exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the RAC, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.
Takashi Katae, while expressing his views on the occasion, said that woodblock prints were initially used as early as the eighth century in Japan to disseminate texts, especially Buddhist scriptures and to print designs on paper and silk. With the passage of time, their subject matter expanded to include famous romantic vistas and eventually, in the final years of the 19th century, dramatic historical events, informed Katae. He appreciated Waqar Ahmed, RD RAC, for extending full cooperation for the exhibition.  Takashi Katae expressed his pleasure to see the art works of participants of different age groups, which were put on display at the exhibition. He appreciated the amateur artists for quickly learning the basics of Japanese woodblock print making during the workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, Naheed Manzoor said that Embassy of Japan and RAC were working together for many years and showed confidence of both the institutions each other.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Embassy of Japan had organized a five-day training workshop on making Japanese woodblock print in May this year at the Nomad Art Gallery. The workshop was largely participated by the teachers, students and general public having interest in handmade paper prints.
The exhibition would continue till September 9 at the premises of RAC.