Details

In this serene Kawase Hasui print, we are greeted by the tranquil beauty of daybreak along the shore. The sky is rendered in a delicate blend of bluish lavender hues, casting a soft, ethereal light over the entire scene. This gentle color palette extends to the lingering snow on the rooftops of the quaint structures nestled along the coastline, imbuing the landscape with a serene sense of tranquility. Against this peaceful backdrop, two birds soar gracefully across the sky, their presence adding a subtle touch of movement to the stillness of the morning. Below, the calm waters mirror the colorful hues of the growing day, reflecting the tranquil beauty of the scene above.

Connoisseur's Note

The print bears the publisher’s “C-type” seal at the lower right margin, indicating it is a first-state. As such, it showcases the highest level of craftsmanship from Watanabe's workshop. Notice the skillful bokashi on the blue/purple of the water and in the background sky, as well as the circular barren effects throughout the composition. The razor-sharp impression, combined with these printing embellishments, exemplifies the pinnacle of print production in 20th-century Japan.