Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro 紫浪 (1898-1991)
Title: Early Summer at Benkei Bridge 辨慶橋 初夏 Date:1938
The visage of a woman holding a parasol is cleverly framed by the two finial posts on this famous bridge in Kyoto. Known as Gojo Ohashi Bridge today, it spans the Kamo river and was built in 1959. The original bridge, seen here, was the site of Yoshitsune’s famous fight with Benkei, who became his most trusted retainer. It’s possible that the Matsubara Bridge was the location of the famous fight, but today it is not as scenic. In this view, we see willow trees overhead and a swallow in the sky as a very fine rain falls in light, grey lines. This may be considered a first edition, with the Watanabe seal in the right margin that was in use between 1930 and 1942.
Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition..
Dimensions: ôban 39 x 26 cm.
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô Signature: Shiro
References: Grund, Andreas, "Shiro Kasamatsu - The Complete Woodblock Prints", Tokyo, privately published, 2001, number W-41.
SKU: SHR036
