Kasamatsu Shirō: The Great Lantern of Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sold)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shirō (1898-1991)
Title: The Great Lantern of Asakusa Kannon Temple

Date: 1934

Japanese visitors cluster beneath the huge red lantern that hangs above the Kaminariomon (“Thunder Gate”) entrance to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple. This is one of the most recognizable places in Tokyo, and a symbol of Asakusa and probably one of the most popular temples in Japan even today. As most of the buildings were destroyed during World War II, it is nice to have this depiction of how the ancient structure looked. It is also quite charming that all of the women are dressed in kimono, and the men wear clothing from the 1930s, including overcoat-like capes and formal hats. With the Watanabe seal that was used between 1932 and 1941, this may be considered a first edition. Even the MFA Boston and British Museum examples have the Watanabe postwar seal.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: 39 x 26.4 cm
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Signature: Shiro 

SKU: SHC012H