Hasui 巴水: Nishi Park, Fukuoka 福岡西公園 (First Edition) (SOLD)

Artist: Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水 (1883-1957)

Title: Nishi Park, Fukuoka 旅みやげ第三集 福岡西公園 

Series: Souvenirs of Travels, Third Series 旅みやげ第三集   Date: 1928

Upstanding view over Hakata Bay in Fukuoka, looking out towards Nokonoshima Island. Our view is from the overlook of Nishi (West) park, which is now surrounded by development in this busy port city, including an expressway that runs between the park and the sea. Nearby is a ferry terminal which serves nearby islands. Hasui has chosen to foreground three very tall pine trees using a vertical format to emphasize their height; gentle waves lap the shore below and a number of sailboats are shown in the distance. Hasui has even captured the detail of the shading caused by the boughs against the bark of the trees, so perhaps the sun is still ascending in the morning sky to the east. The background clouds feature completely unfaded purple. This park is known even today for its panoramic views as well as for seasonal cherry blossom viewing. It is amazing to realize that this view was captured almost one hundred years ago! With the Watanabe seal  in the lower right margin that was in use between 1928 and 1932, this may be considered a first edition. 

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Perfectly unfaded; mint.

 Dimensions: ôban (39 x 26.3 cm)
Publisher: Watanabe
Literature: Hotei/Brown number 141. See the Art Institute of Chicago, MFA, LACMA, VMFA museum collections.  Seal: Kawase Signature: Hasui

SKU: HAS616