Hasui Kawase, "Komagata"

When Hasui created this composition, he is said to have been drawn to the sliver of horizon and sky peeking through the bamboo stalks set up along the Komagata river in Asakusa, Tokyo. The horse and drayman lazily awaiting their next assignment conveyed relaxation in the summer months. Originally printed in 1919, this woodblock print was made from re-carved woodblocks. The original woodblocks were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, thus making early impressions of this image extremely scarce.

Date: 1919
Size: Oban
Late edition (7mm seal)
Publisher: S. Watanabe
Condition: Fine, no problems to note
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Modern Metal, 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.