Hasui 巴水: Snow at Itsukushima 厳島之雪 First Edition (Sold)

Artist: Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) 川瀬巴水
Title: Snow at Itsukushima 厳島之雪
Date: 1932  昭和七年十一月

Our view of the brilliant red torii in Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) is framed by pine boughs that are weighed down beneath their snowy burdens and a tall stone lantern also covered in snow. In the distance are snow-capped peaks; our attention can’t help but be drawn to the bright crimson of the torii , its colors in sharp contrast to the white-blanketed surroundings. We see a single human figure in a small boat in the distance, but we feel that this stunning view is for our eyes alone. The construction of this famous Shinto shrine has been attributed to the contributions of Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century, although it may date even earlier, to the 6th century. This example has the deep purple colors in the sky that match the published Narazaki example, so it is completely unfaded.  The printing is exceptional, with a great deal of texture in the sky, tree boughs and snow, testament to the extra care and expertise of the printers on this example. With the Watanabe seal on the lower right margin that was in use between 1930 and 1942;  we may consider this a first edition. A scarce design in this condition--even most of the museum examples are postwar.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: ôban (26.2 x 39 cm)
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Literature: Kendall H. Brown, Kawase Hasui: The complete woodblock prints, 2003, #287. Narazaki #340. See the Art Institute of Chicago, MFA Boston collection online.
Seal: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Signature: Hasui

SKU: HAC287H