Artist: Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水 (1883-1957)
Title: Nobidome Heirinji Temple 野火止平林寺 Date: 1952 昭和二十七年
Dappled shade covers the stone paths leading to the Sanmon Gate entrance of Heirinji Temple in Saitama Prefecture. It is today still an active Zen temple of the Rinzai sect; its buildings were rebuilt in 1603 by Tokyugawa Ieyasu after being destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590. Hasui has provided a burst of bright autumn foliage as the focal point, which he also created a frame for by positioning the temple posts on either side. This framing effect is perhaps why the artist seems to be portraying the back side of the gate, instead of the side facing the entrance to the grounds. With the appropriate postwar Watanabe seal in red, lower left, to make this a first edition. Provenance: From the personal collection of René Balcer.
Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. There is a long surface scratch (most likely from a fingernail) about 10 cm from the right edge.
Dimensions: ôban 38.7 x 26.6 cm
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Literature: N#294; H#413. See MFA Boston, Smithsonian Institution, Honolulu Museum of Art, Edo Tokyo Museum.Seal: Kawase Signature: Hasui
SKU: HAC574R
