Kamakura daibutsu (The Great Buddha at Kamamura)
1930
Kawase Hasui captures the sheer scale of the Great Buddha of Kamakura by placing tiny figures—a woman and child—right at its feet, making the massive statue look even more imposing. The cool blue-grey tones of the Buddha contrast beautifully with the vibrant green pine tree and the bright summer sky, creating a sense of peaceful stillness. Hasui was a master of the 'Shin-hanga' (new prints) movement, a modernist revival of traditional woodblocks that embraced Western lighting techniques. Notice the dappled shadows on the ground? That's a signature touch, showing his obsession with capturing specific times of day. Fun fact: the real bronze statue is hollow, and visitors can actually climb inside its head!
- Technique
- Color woodblock print
- Material
- Paper