Hasui Kawase
Kawase Hasui was a leading figure of the shin-hanga movement, which revitalized Japanese woodblock printing by blending ukiyo-e tradition with a more naturalistic, Western-influenced sensibility. Working with publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, he became known for atmospheric landscape prints, often seen as a modern successor to Hiroshige.
A pupil of Kiyokata, Hasui turned to printmaking after being inspired by Shinsui's Eight Views of Ōmi. Over roughly 40 years, he produced more than 600 prints, becoming known for a distinctive shade called "Hasui blue" that he used to render water and air, which captivated admirers worldwide (including Steve Jobs).
This print depicts Senjō Cliff at Lake Towada, on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures—a square-shaped double-crater lake prized for its spring greens and autumn foliage. In the foreground, a tree's leaves are just yellowing despite the early-autumn setting; across the water, the cliff rises fringed with color, its reflection mirrored on the calm lake beside a single white-sailed boat.
Have a great first day of Autumn!
P.S. One of the elements of autumn that fascinated Japanese artists was the Moon. Discover the autumn moon in Japanese art!
P.P.S. Hasui Kawase's artworks are another reason to buy our new 12 Months Weekly Planner for 2027. It is a perfect addition to our annual calendars collection. :)