This wonderful woodblock print is by Hasui Kawase (1883 – 1957) a Japanese artist who was designated as a Living National Treasure by Japan in recognition of his contributions to Japanese art. Hasui was a proponent of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement, combining traditional Japanese subjects with elements of Western art, such as perspective and the natural effects of light and shadow. He studied under both traditional masters of ukiyo-e (the floating world) as well as Western-style painting. During his 40-year career, Hasui designed 620 prints, although he also worked in watercolor and oil. He is considered one of modern Japan's most important and influential printmakers.
Entitled "Benkei Bridge in Akasaka," this subtle and serene print is beautifully framed in faux bamboo. The wooden Benkei Bridge was a famous Tokyo landmark because of its beautiful Japanese design. It has since been replaced by a cement bridge.
Hasui is the art name bestowed by one of his early teachers, Kiyokata Kaburagi, who specilized in traditional Japanese painting. In Japan it was traditional for a master of an art school or workshop to give a student his first art name, although an artist might use several such pseudonyms throughout his career.
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