<b>STARLIT NIGHT, MIYAJIMA</b> / Kawase Hasui1928<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

In Hasui's evocative woodblock print of Miyajima at night, the ethereal beauty of this sacred island is brought to life with mesmerizing detail. Against the backdrop of a star-studded sky, the iconic Miyajima gate stands in serene majesty, its reflection shimmering in the tranquil waters below. Surrounding the gate, the silhouette of towering mountains adds a sense of grandeur to the scene, while a solitary pine tree in the foreground lends a touch of tranquility to the nocturnal landscape. Bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, a stone lantern casts a warm, inviting light, illuminating the surroundings with a gentle radiance. As the four stars twinkle brightly overhead, the night comes alive with a sense of quietude and serenity. Japanese print scholar Narazaki aptly captures the essence of this design, describing the mood as "dark, serene, and starlit," with color tones that evoke a profound sense of silence and stillness. Through Hasui's masterful rendering, viewers are transported to a realm of utter tranquility, where the beauty of Miyajima's nocturnal splendor unfolds in breathtaking detail.

Connoisseur's Note

The print bears the publisher’s “C-type” seal at the lower right margin, indicating it is an early pre-war impression. As such, it showcases the highest level of craftsmanship from Watanabe's workshop. Notice the skillful bokashi on the blue of the water and in the gray hues throughout the background sky, as well as the circular barren effects throughout the composition. The razor-sharp impression, combined with these printing embellishments, exemplifies the pinnacle of print production in 20th-century Japan.