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Kawase Hasui was one of the most prolific artists of the shin-hanga (new prints) landscape movement. He created approximately 600 landscape prints during his career, and throughout this body of work, there is an aesthetic cohesion that few other Japanese woodblock print artists achieved. His landscapes are beautiful and serene, but they have often been criticized for their monotony. His adhesion to only one style makes sense when the art market he had to appease in order to make a living is considered. Satisfying publishers and his general audience was the priority, even if it limited his creative freedom. Despite this, Kawase Hasui created tranquil, elegant scenes that continually inspire viewers. Shortly before his death, Hasui was awarded the title of Living National Treasure by the Japanese government, one of the oldest and highest honors for an artist in Japan.Label Type
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Kawase Hasui traveled frequently in order to sketch landscapes all over Japan. His popularity as an artist allowed him to print in series, and three series of “Souvenirs of Travel” were published. This particular print depicts the resort town of Kinosaki, known for its hot springs, during a nighttime rainstorm.