Artist: Kawase Hasui
Medium: Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Series Title: Snow
Edition: First State - Memorial Service Special Edition
Date: 1957
Publisher: S. Watanabe Color Print Co.
Reference No.: Hotei #613
Size: 15 -1/2 x 10 -1/2 "
Condition: Very fine, with superb colors
Notes:
Less than 100 first editions were produced. An important and scarce design, that has become widely accepted as one of the most noteworthy images from Hasui's oeuvre of works.
According to Narazaki, 'This was Hasui's final work. The first edition of the print is indicated by the seal in the mid-left margin, and 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
The design is often referred 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.