Kegon Falls, Nikko (Limited Edition)

Catalog ID:

Artist: Kawase Hasui
Medium: Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Series Title: Fan Print Series
Edition: Limited Edition - #6/200
Date: (c.1935)
Publisher: Kato Junji Publishing Co. Tokyo
Reference No.: Hotei #378
Size: 9 -1/2 x 9 -3/4 " (Shikishiban square format)
Condition: Very fine.

Notes:

Complete as issued with the original fan-shaped studio folder. Red numbered seal, #6/200 and "Made in Japan", stamped on the reverse. 1935 the Tokyo publisher Kato Junji acquired the rights to produce a series of twelve prints, originally designed by Hasui for the Haibara paper shop, Tokyo.

The fan shape print was distributed in a square shikishiban format, as part of a limited-edition set published by Kato Junji. The composition leaves intentional margins so that when trimmed or folded, it perfectly aligns with the contours of a traditional Japanese folding fan (sensu). The work belongs to Hasui's highly rare series titled, Twelve Views of Fan Prints (Uchiwa-e jûni shi). First edition copies of this specific print were originally issued complete with their original fan-shaped studio folder. Unlike Hasui's more common, large vertical (ōban) landscapes of Kegon Falls from 1927, this fan-oriented version forces a tighter, dramatic crop. It features errant red maple leaves floating through the foreground air against the highly textured, rushing white water and muted gray cliff sides.