Hasui, Kawase (1883 – 1957), “The Miyajima Shrine in Snow”

Notes: Commissioned by the Japanese Railway Ministry for use on a poster, few examples have survived, and very fine examples like this one are scarce. The inscription on the bottom margin reads: "The Miyajima Shrine in Snow", Artist - Kawase Hasui. Wood-cut Printing by S. Watanabe, in Tokyo. This joint project with the International Tourist Board is the first attempt to reproduce an actual woodblock print as a mass-produced poster. Due to his popularity, Hasui was one of a select few artists to be given an important position in international advertising of national policy. Because Hasui had already established a record of overseas sales, he was eminently suitable for such assignments. - Water and Shadow; pg. 45