Kawase Hasui (川瀬 巴水 1883-1957) was an artist, one of modern Japan’s most important and prolific printmakers. He was a prominent designer of the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, whose artists depicted traditional subjects with a style influenced by Western art. Like many earlier ukiyo-e prints, Hasui’s works were commonly landscapes, but displayed atmospheric effects and natural lighting.

Woodblock printing is an extremely meticulous and involved art process that requires the artist to create a relief or “negative” by carving out pieces from a woodblock that is then used to make prints. Kawase Hasui’s vivid and vibrant prints look like illustrated or painted pieces of art work on account of his incredibly complex and detailed carvings.

Hasui designed almost one thousand woodblock prints over a career that spanned nearly forty years. Towards the end of his life the government recognized him as a Living National Treasure for his contribution to Japanese culture.

This revised edition of Kawase Hasui’s works showcase an extensive collection of his prints, with over 200 pages of beautiful reproduced art including the highly lauded “20 Sights Of Tokyo” masterpieces.

Having dabbled in woodblock printmaking myself during my fine arts student days, I have huge respect and love for all manners of this delicate craft; it is a painstaking and meticulous art form, but the process can also be therapeutic and creatively satisfying.

Due to the popularity of Hasui’s work, there are actually quite a few publications featuring his work ( you can find some purchase links further below ), but I picked this particular volume to review because it’s great value for money given the wide scope of his art covered. This is an excellent introduction to Kawase’s work and comes recommended.

I also suggest checking out the Shin-hanga art book that I reviewed previously, which includes some of Kawase Hasui’s prints as well.

Kawase Hasui Art Works 川瀬巴水作品集 details :

– Dimensions – ‎8.35 x 0.67 x 11.73 inches
– Softcover, 215 pages
– Full color, in Japanese language

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