Hasui 巴水: Urahima, Echigo 越後 (Sold)

Artist: Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水
Title: Urahima, Echigo 越後
Series: Souvenirs of Travels, Second Series (旅みやげ第二集)
Date: 27 August, 1921

Two small, unpowered boats, both steered by two fishermen who grip a long oar as a rudder, surf the large swells towards the beach near the cliffs of Urahima in Echigo. The figures appear both at the mercy of the elements and quite confidently in control of their vessels. They must be heading for the shore, as a storm has arisen that is making the seas very fierce. This work is very scarce, especially in this condition. The hills here are a deep, unfaded green, and the waves and ripples of the sea have been created with great subtlety. The rain is also falling in beautiful, sweeping streaks of white. This work is unusual for several reasons: this is an unusual viewpoint, as the view is from a vantage point at sea during a storm. It is also unusual in that Hasui usually shows the ocean in its more peaceful aspect. This work is very highly prized in Japan, perhaps in part for showing the everyday bravery of these working fishermen. Very scarce.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Condition is exceptional for this design. Very minor tape remnants at top verso.
Dimensions: ôban (26.1 x 38.6 cm)
Publisher: Watanabe
Literature: Kato, Junzo, comp., Kindai Nihon hanga taikei, 1975-76, Vol. I, pl. 202. Kendall H. Brown, Kawase Hasui: The complete woodblock prints, 2003, no. 71. Kendall H. Brown, Visions of Japan: Kawase Hasui's Masterpieces, 2004, p. 45, no. 9. Fresh Impressions: Early Modern Japanese Prints, Toledo Museum of Art, 2013, p. 125, cat. no. 65. See the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Signature: Hasui

SKU: HAC871K