Hasui Kawase, "Spring in Mount Atago"

In one of Hasui's earliest compositions, a fully bloomed cherry tree is shown in front of the shrine on Mount Atago near Kyoto, while children are shown playing under its canopy. The falling petals of the cherry tree are meticulously carved into the design. The original woodblocks, destroyed in the 1923 Kanto earthquake, were recarved to create this modern edition by Watanabe.

Date: 1921
Size: Oban
Published by Watanabe
Later edition (recarved blocks)
Condition: Fine
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) is one of Japan's most important artists to emerge from the shin-hanga era. His prints are recognized throughout the world, with many of his woodblock prints elevating to icons of art and design.