Hasui, Kawase (1883 – 1957), “A Fine Winter’s Sky, Miyajima (Pre-Earthquake)”

Notes: One of the best extant examples. Removed from the original S. Watanabe studio folder; never framed or displayed. Toledo Museum catalog states, "Edition, 200 impressions". One of Hasui's early pre-earthquake masterpieces that depict snow. Narazaki writes that 'In this view white clouds have suddenly emerged due to a sudden blustery wind in the wintry sky. The vermilion-lacquered Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima is depicted against an expanse of indigo blue that connects both sea and sky. The snow blows diagonally across the picture plane, the hanging lanterns sway'. The shrine is situated on the island of Itskushima in Hiroshima prefecture. According to tradition, it was first constructed in late 6th century when three kami appeared to local fisherman, instructing him to eract a shrine. By the 12th century it grew in prestige and was revered by the Taira family; it was enlarged to its present size in 1168 due to the lavish patronage of Taira Kiyomori (1118-81). Many of the buildingas are constructed on a sandy beach of the Itsukushima cove and during high tide it appears to float, making it unique among Japanese shrines. Together with Matsushima and Amanohasidate, Miyajima is considered one of Japan's three beauty spots.