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<b>SUNSET AT NENOYAMA</b>Kawase Hasui1955<b>SOLD</b></em>
ARTIST: Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
TITLE: Sunset at Nenoyama
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1955
DIMENSION: 19 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches
PUBLISHER: S. Watanabe Print Co.
CONDITION: Pristine
LITERATURE: Kendall H. Brown, Kawase Hasui: The Complete Woodblock Prints, 2003, pl.602
NOTE: Printed by Watanabe, hand-numbered 100/500 on reverse; comes with original folder
SOLD
Details
A weary villager is walking down a familiar path, most likely set on his way home. His pace is significantly slowed by his age and the rather large bundle of firewood he is carrying on his back. Cane in hand, he faces the road with a determination that will see him home. The stunning background is a rustic scene with a country-style house flanked by a thickly populated forest caught in the aging light of day. The pinks of twilight surround the composition’s center, while sky blue and a variety of greens populate the rest of the design.
It is interesting to consider this print is among the handful of works designed by the artist at the end of his long and prolific career. The artist’s passing occurred a mere two years after this design was produced. One might imagine the artist saw a kingship with the figure of this design—determined to make his way home before the day’s end.
Connoisseur's Note
This print was issued in a limited edition of 500 impressions. It is hand numbered 100/500 on the reverse. This print was acquired from the original owner, who never framed or exposed the work to prolong periods of light. The print comes with its original folder. The work is in an exceedingly fine state of preservation, as it is pristine.
