Hasui 巴水: Mishima River, Mutsu 陸奥三嶌川 (Sold)

Artist: Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水 (1883-1957)
Title: Mishima River, Mutsu 陸奥三嶌川 
Series: Souvenirs of Travels, First Series旅みやげ第一集
Date: Summer 1919

As Hasui himself wrote “Situated between Hachinohe and Same in Aomori prefecture is the river known locally as the Mishima no mizu [”Mishima waters”]. Although the 'Mishima waters' are called a 'river’, it is in fact only a short distance to the sea. It is always crowded during the day with people who have come to draw water or to do their washing. I depicted the rising moon with an interest in the river, where it empties into the sea, and in the architecture, unique in its regional flavour.” Lower right we see a woman with two water buckets balanced from her shoulder, and at left a woman draws water while her child looks at the enchanting scene. The captured water glimmers with the reflection of the moonlight and glowing horizon. This is the first work in what became Hasui’s first series of prints, “Tabi miyage, dai isshu”, and only the 10th design that he created. The lack of a series title in the left margin would actually support this being a very early impression, as it is probable that the decision to make a series may have been made at a somewhat later date to connect this with works that follow after it. (The late Hasui scholar Hisao Shimizu made this observation to this dealer in person.) Also supporting this as a very early impression is the very strong woodgrain that is evident in the sky. 

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban (38.5 x 26.3 cm)
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Literature: Narazaki #10; Hotei #110.
Signature: Hasui

SKU: HAS543