Hasui, Kawase (1883 – 1957), “Hall of the Golden Hue, Hiraizumi (First State)”

Notes: According to Narazaki, 'This was Hasui's final work. The first edition of the print indicated by the seal in the mid-left margin, was distributed to the artist's friends and acquaintances during a memorial service on the hundred-day anniversary of his death; which was held to pray for the repose of his soul'. - Hotei Vol. 1; pg. 135 This design is often referred to as the artist's last poignant journey─visual and physical─bidding farewell to the world; the priest perhaps being a metaphor for Hasui himself ascending the steps to the holy realms of Buddhism, since the Konjikido was renowned for its funeral services. Hasui was already sick during the design of this print and did not live to see its publication. An important and scarce image, that has widely become one of the most noted designs from the artist's oeuvre.