New Pitts Acquisition: Sadao Watanabe Gospel Prints

Last month, Pitts received a trove of materials from the United Methodist Publishing House, a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. One of the most significant parts of the UMPH acquisition was a set of 17 framed prints by the Japanese printmaker Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996). They present Biblical scenes in the mingei folk art style, showings illustrations from the gospels in a Japanese context. Watanabe prints have been exhibited in the world’s great museums—even in Lyndon Johnson’s White House and the Vatican! These 17 prints will be added to Candler’s previous collection of 4 Watanabe prints. Challenge: can you find where a Watanabe print already hangs in the Rita Anne Rollins Building?