Kawase Hasui, Zentsuji Temple in the Rain from the series Collected Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition, color woodblock print, 1937.
Signed Hasui in black ink, with the artist’s red seal Kawase, lower left. Published by Watanabe Shozaburo with the Watanabe 6mm round seal, lower right.
Image size 14 1/4 x 9 9/16 inches (362 x 243 mm); sheet size approximately 15 1/2 x 10 3/8 inches (394 x 264 mm).
A fine, richly-inked impression, with fresh colors and masterly use of 'bokashi' (color gradation) throughout the image to produce the atmospheric effects of rain and mist, and the shimmering reflections on the wet paving stones.The full sheet with margins, drying tack holes in the top and bottom left margin, barely visible tape adhesive stain in the top left sheet edge, otherwise in excellent condition.
Exhibition: Honolulu Museum of Art, Picturesque Prints: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Art in the 20th Century, 05/27/2010 - 08/1/2010
Collections: Honolulu Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The series Collection of Scenic Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition, contains a total of 23 prints, which were produced between 1933 and 1941. The series focuses on famous places and views in the Kansai area of Japan, including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. This work depicts the temple of Zentsüji in Shikoku, an important pilgrimage site closely connected with the influential Heian-period Buddhist monk Kükai, who brought the esoteric teachings of the Shingon sect from China and established the original temple in 807. The oldest existing structure, the Shakadō Hall, dates from about 1677.
