Hasui 巴水: Snow at Shinobazu Benten Shrine 不忍弁天の雪 (Sold)

Artist: Kawase Hasui
Title: Snow at Shinobazu Benten Shrine 不忍弁天の雪 
Date: January 1931

(Shinobazu Benten no yuki). Two figures pass before the snow-blanketed Shino Benten Shrine, their traditional umbrellas providing a lively contrast between the deep crimson building and the pure white snow. The shrine is beautifully reflected in the water of Shinobazu Pond. This original shrine building was sadly destroyed in WWII, although the statue of Benzaiten survived the bombing and is now enshrined in the the new main hall of the temple, which was rebuilt in 1958. The shrine and the pond are now part of Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo. This is one of six Hasui prints published by Tôkyo Shôbidô,  and the printing is of the highest caliber, reflecting the heights of talent available in the 1920s and 1930s. We also can see Hasui’s artistic genius in his ability to capture the perfect angle and crop it flawlessly for maximum effect. He also layered many elements of the landscape from back to front to create the feeling of depth in his designs. Images like this one of red temples in snow are some of his most famous and sought-after works.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: Ôban (39 x 25.8 cm)
Publisher: Tôkyô Shôbidô
Literature: N#Ts-6; H#243. See AIC online
Seal: Kawase
Signature: Hasui

SKU: HAC243H