Details

In Deep Autumn, Shirō Kasamatsu captures a moment of seasonal stillness beneath the timeless gaze of Mount Fuji. Rendered in a brilliant symphony of yellow, gold, and rich greens, the composition reveals a traditional thatched-roof home nestled in shadow, framed by trees in peak autumnal bloom. Their vibrant foliage is reflected in the glassy waters of a quiet river that runs across the foreground, its surface rippling with painterly distortion and quiet light.

The snowcapped peak of Fuji rises behind it all—majestic, restrained, and anchoring the scene with spiritual weight. The saturated color blocks and visible carving marks give the print a tactile richness, blending bold design with poetic naturalism. The use of layered ink, particularly in the shimmering surface of the water, reveals Kasamatsu’s extraordinary command of printing technique.

Connoisseur's Note

While Shirō Kasamatsu first rose to prominence through his shin-hanga designs published by Watanabe Shōzaburō—characterized by their soft realism and collaborative production—his later career marked a profound shift toward independent creation. Beginning in the late 1950s and continuing through the 1970s, Kasamatsu embraced the sōsaku hanga (creative print) movement, wherein the artist assumes full authorship: designing, carving, and printing each work by hand.

Deep Autumn is a superb example from this mature period. Dated 1979 and numbered in edition (as seen in the margin), the print reflects Kasamatsu’s personal vision—rooted in Japanese tradition, but expressed through bold simplification and modern form. His ability to fuse natural observation with expressive abstraction is fully realized here, especially in the rendering of reflections and color interplay.

These later Sosaku Hanga works were issued in smaller editions, often on fine handmade washi with deckle edges, and signed by the artist with both brushed signature and seal. Collectors prize them not only for their rarity, but for the singular artistic voice they represent—prints made entirely by the artist’s own hand, imbued with a deeper intimacy and intention. This work is numbered 6/100.

Deep Autumn stands as a contemplative and visually radiant testament to Kasamatsu’s lifelong dialogue with nature. It is not merely a depiction of a season, but an invitation to step into the quiet heart of autumn itself.