Kasamatsu Shiro 紫浪: Moonrise at Nezu Gongen Shrine (First Edition) (SOLD)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro 紫浪 (1898-1991)

Title: Moonrise at Nezu Gongen Shrine  Date: 1932

A woman and a girl have just left the environs of the Nezu Gongen shrine; the girl clutches a folder of some sort, so perhaps they were attending a special event that was held there. A solo woman seen from the side, also in a kimono, seems to offer a passing greeting to the two. Overhead there is a large pine that rises above the entrance gate, and a blooming tree is shown on the left. A yellow full moon rises in the twilight sky.  The almost velvety printing of the deepening shade at the bottom of the work showcases the expertise of the printers who worked in the 1930s. Nezu Shrine is a Shinto shrine with a history that dates back almost 2000 years. It was one of the few shrines that survived WWII intact. Today the main hall, offering hall and Karamon and Romon gates are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.  This may be considered a first edition, with the Watanabe seal in the right margin that was in use between 1932 and 1941.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban 38.5 x 26.5 cm.
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô  Signature: Shiro 

References: Grund, Andreas, "Shiro Kasamatsu - The Complete Woodblock Prints", Tokyo, privately published, 2001, number W-9.

SKU: SHR039