Clifton Karhu: An American in Japan

• Open to the public Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Sunday, January 17, 2027

This exhibition highlights the role of an American living and working in Japan, who enriched American art by introducing innovative techniques and perspective from Japanese culture. Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) was born in Deluth, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. military and spent two years at the naval base in Sasebo, Kyūshu. He returned to Japan years later as a missionary, but quickly became disillusioned and resumed his study of art. He was the first non-Japanese artist admitted as a member of the Japan Print Association. His work specifically illuminates the creative (sosaku) print movement of modern Japan. He was well regarded as a Japanese flute (shakuhachi) player and adopted the habit of wearing kimono daily. This exhibition features, woodblock prints, ceramic and stone works produced by the artist, all of which are works from the Museum Collection.

Himeji “White Heron” Castle in Osaka
by Clifton Karhu (American, b. 1927)
Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper
Shōwa period, dated 1978
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Marcus
1995.018.030