Hasui, Kawase (1883 – 1957), “Aikawa-cho, Sado (Pre-Earthquake)”

Notes: One of the best extant examples. Pristine colors throughout, with near perfect overall condition and state. An exceedingly rare pre-earthquake design. Narazaki notes: "The dark houses of the fishermen; the figures of an old man and his grandson await the return of the fishing boats. Such ancillary elements were favorites of Hasui." 'Hasui began working on this (Souvenirs of Travel) series in the summer of 1919. The images were based on sketches that Hasui had made during his travels from Sendai to Kanazawa. Hasui apparently enjoyed traveling, particularly when unplanned, and during his lifetime he journeyed extensively throughout Japan. Compared with his first landscapes of Shiobara, this work shows a refinement in Hasui's style, particularly in the use of a more delicate line and a strengthening of the lyrical quality. While Hasui is no doubt indebted to the Ukiyo-e tradition of landscape prints as seen in the works by print designers such as Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hasui has nevertheless developed his own style in the treatment of the overall composition and in the color harmonies. As a result, this series marked an important point in Hasui's evolution as a landscape artist.' - The New Wave; pg. 142