Details

In this captivating print, a crescent moon hovers just above the treetops and the apex of a pagoda, casting a serene glow. The bare trees reach out into the cold winter air, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Inside the pagoda, a fading lamplight at the center of the composition hints at the late hour. The waning moon mirrors the lamplight's slow descent, its light soon to fade as well.

Konen, primarily known as a Nihonga painter, briefly collaborated with Watanabe Shozaburo, the founder of Shin Hanga. Together, they produced only two full-sized woodblock prints in 1928: a night view of Dotonbori in Osaka (also featured in this exhibition) and this enchanting moonlit view of a pagoda.

Connoisseur's Note

This print features a Watanabe A-type seal, indicating it is a rare first-state impression. The condition is excellent, with colors as vibrant as the day they were printed. This impression is particularly noteworthy for its strong atmospheric quality, enhanced by the visible woodgrain pattern in the sky and throughout the composition. Such woodgrain patterns are present only in the earliest printings, making this impression highly sought after by collectors.