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Kōitsu uses his powers of observation and attention to detail to capture the beauty of Matsushima, traditionally identified as one of the three most scenic views in Japan. The scene of rocky islands in the glistening blue water evokes tranquility and beauty. The winding, weathered pine tree in the left foreground creates a sense of depth, in conjunction with the two islands in the center and the faint shoreline in the background. A small sailboat creeps gently through the watery reflections, perhaps alluding to the Japanese concept of transient beauty. Kōitsu was part of the shin-hanga (new print) movement of the early twentieth century, which used Western elements in their design, but still continued the traditional practices of woodblock printing where the labor was divided between the artist, carver, printer, and publisher.Label Type
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Label written by Liv Hansbury