08.

Wu Jide (b. 1942)

Everlasting Friendship—Lu Xun and Uchiyama Kanzo

1980

Woodblock print

66 x 50 cm

Uchiyama Kanzo (1885-1959), a Christian who left school at twelve, was perhaps an unlikely friend for Lu Xun. His Shanghai bookshop was a gathering place for writers, serving as an office and occasional hiding place for Lu Xun. In Shanghai’s repressive political situation, Lu Xun and Uchiyama shared some near-death experiences. This print, however, shows them enjoying an affable, relaxed evening together. Uchiyama’s younger brother. Kakichi (1900-84) taught the 1931 workshop marking the founding of the Modern Woodcut Movement.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number wuvjd011