From the series “Tabi Miyage Dai Sanshu” (Souvenirs of Travel, Third Series), this is Tsuchizaki in Akita province and is the skeletal remains of an abandoned wooden boat resting quietly near a river bank under the fiery sunset sky.
Originally published in 1928, this is a rare pre-war Hasui printing with the Watanabe “C” seal (commonly known as the “Sausage Seal”), in using between 1929 and 1942. This print was not published after the war, making this a very rare Hasui piece.
The Woodblock Print
This oban-sized woodblock is in good to very good condition; there is even toning to the paper with minor discoloration along the margins. One small spot of foxing in the print with minor faint foxing in the sky area. A clean verso.
About the Artist
One of the most sought-after Japanese printmakers, and perhaps the most recognizable shin-hanga landscape artist. Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水, 1883-1957) was born to a textile dealer as the first son. His uncle was Kanagaki Robun, a famous playwright. A pupil of Kaburaki Kiyokata who gave him the go of “Hasui”. Afterwards, he got to know Watanabe Shozaburo, then had a chance to see “Omi Hakkei” created by Ito Shinsui from the same school as his, which brought about an interest in the woodblock printing. In 1918, he released three pieces of “Shiobara” from Watanabe Printshop, afterwards, produced a number of landscape prints throughout his life and is considered one of the greats of the Shin Hanga art movement in Japanese woodblock printing.
Notes when buying: Hasui woodblocks were printed and reprinted both during his lifetime and post-mortem. When evaluating a Hasui woodblock, it is important to look carefully at the publisher seal, which will give a rough approximation for when the print in question was published, which can then be compared to when that print was originally published. Learn more about recognizing Watanabe-published editions here.
