Kasamatsu Shiro 紫浪: Seashore at Izusan: 伊豆山海岸 (SOLD)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro 紫浪 (1898-1991)

Title: Seashore at Izusan: 伊豆山海岸  Date: 1938 (First edition)

The Izu Peninsula is famous for its beaches and stunning coastline. Our view is of a protected inlet with a stone jetty that is topped with a marker and features a curving walkway and small hut that is at the base of a forested cliff. The artist has chosen a very unusual color palette that brings to mind sepia-toned photographs. This must surely be the intention, and even the color of Watanabe’s seal is done in the same soft reddish tone. In addition to the unique color scheme, the printing is quite simplified for a Watanabe-published work from the 1930s. Perhaps many Japanese men at the time were already called away for war duties, including some printers from the workshop, as in January of 1938 the State General Mobilization Law was passed. One gets almost a lonely feeling when gazing at this unique shin hanga landscape that was created at the beginning of World War II. With the earliest Watanabe seal for this work, in use between 1930-1942.

Condition: Excellent impression and condition. Very good color. 
Dimensions: ôban 26.7 X 38.2 cm.
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Signature: Shiro  

SKU: SHR027