<b>NISHIMIKAWAZAKA</b> / Kawase Hasui1921<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

In this mesmerizing woodblock print by Kawase Hasui, we are transported to a serene snow-covered coastline on a winter's night. Against the backdrop of a tranquil, gray sky, snowflakes cascade downwards in a flurry, enveloping the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow. Amidst this wintry scene, a solitary figure draped in vibrant yellow attire traverses the snowy terrain, braving the elements with determined resolve. The irregular curvature of the coastline lends a dynamic and asymmetrical quality to the composition, drawing the viewer's gaze across the scene with intrigue.

Connoisseur's Note

This print is a rare pre-earthquake impression, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship from Watanabe's workshop. Pay close attention to the skillful bokashi on the blue of the water and the gray throughout the background, as well as the circular barren effects produced during the printing process. The razor-sharp impression, coupled with these printing embellishments, exemplifies the pinnacle of print production in 20th-century Japan.

As with all pre-earthquake prints, this print is among the rarest works in shin hanga, as the earthquake destroyed Watanabe’s studio along with the original blocks and unsold inventory. Only prints sold before the earthquake and removed from Tokyo, as most of the city was destroyed by the ensuing fires, survived. Further bolstering the desirability of this work is its near-pristine condition.