KAWASE HASUI

Shin Hanga Postcards

The art of the Japanese postcard stands as a distinctive and important medium for artistic discourse, reflecting a rich history deeply intertwined with the country's cultural and artistic evolution. Dating back to the late 19th century, the utilization of postcards in Japanese art became a prevalent means to commemorate significant historical events, disseminate artistic ideas, and connect with a broader audience. Artists embraced the postcard, showcasing their creativity within the constraints of a small format. Notably, the Leonard A. Lauder Collection, now housed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA Boston), stands as a testament to the significance of Japanese postcards in art history. This collection, featuring a remarkable assembly of these miniature artworks, provides a glimpse into the diverse expressions of Japanese artists over the years.

Kawase Hasui, a prominent figure in this artistic narrative, left an enduring legacy with his extensive body of work, which includes nearly 600 woodblock print designs. Over a hundred of these designs took the form of postcard-size prints commissioned by the publisher S. Watanabe. Despite their small scale, Hasui's postcard prints mirror the meticulous craftsmanship present in his larger masterpieces, attesting to the artist's unwavering dedication to his craft. The scarcity of these postcard prints in the art market underscores their limited print runs, making them some of Hasui's most elusive creations.

This offering comprises almost one hundred of Hasui's postcard prints, offering a comprehensive overview of the artist's diverse repertoire within this unique format. Many of the designs within this collection are exceptionally rare, and the exhibition of these artworks may mark the first time that a number of them are made available online. In exploring the realm of Japanese postcards, this exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of Kawase Hasui but also sheds light on the broader cultural significance of these miniature-format woodblock prints within the context of Japanese art history.

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