<b>TADOTSU, SANSHU</b> / Kawase Hasui1936<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

Woodblock prints are ideally suited to represent the subtle nuances of atmospheric conditions and the myriad of ways light inhabits this space. In this design, Kawase Hasui certainly showcases the abilities of this artform. The design depicts the built-in stone lanterns of a seaside port as the light of day softens to a warm ember of yellow, orange, and red. The composition is a juxtaposition of light and shadow, chronicling the plight of light, as the blooming shadows grow in intensity in the deepest recesses of the composition. The foreground shows the stone-paved walkway that leads to one of the stone lanterns structures. The orange and red hues of the sky fill in the empty lantern’s platform foreshadowing its fiery orange glow in the darkest depths of night.

The success of this relatively simple design owes much to the masterful printing effects of Watanabe's skilled craftsmen, under his direct supervision. Of particular note are the stunning and subtle bokashi, or color gradation, of the sky and the barren sujizuri, or swirls, found in the stone-paved pathway. These strong and active printing effects give this impression a wonderful sense of texture and depth. It is precisely through these printing effects that the print effectively invokes a quiet, contemplative quality with a strong poetic sensibility.

The renowned Hasui scholar, Narazaki Munishige, who penned the first attempt at a catalogue raisonne for the artist’s work, wrote the following about this design: "This work is somewhat reminiscent of Shinsui's "Evening View at Akashi". But this work possesses a particular elegance. Hasui's composition repeats Shinsui's design of a stone lantern, in this case two, lit by the evening light. The lantern in the foreground is magnified, producing a unique and striking feel. We can see Hasui's effort in the contracted western sky, the colored clouds which have been illustrated using three layers of bokashi." It is interesting to view the differences between this design and Shinsui’s available here.

Connoisseur's Note

This impression bears the publisher’s D- type seal, signifying the impression is the first state of the design. The print's condition is excellent, with no problems to note. This print has never been framed—coming from the famed estate of the Robert O. Muller—and showcases colors as fresh as the day they were printed.