Oirase no aki (Herfst in Oirase)
1933
Kawase Hasui captures the fiery brilliance of autumn along the Oirase River in this stunning 1933 woodblock print. The vibrant red maple leaves seem to glow against the cool, teal waters flowing over dark rocks, creating a perfect balance of warm and cool tones. As a master of the Shin-hanga movement—a modernist revival of traditional ukiyo-e—Hasui traveled extensively across Japan to capture local landscapes. This piece showcases his signature ability to evoke a serene atmosphere, with mottled grey tree trunks framing the explosion of fall color. It’s a beautiful example of how Japanese artists blended Western lighting effects with traditional flat-color aesthetics.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper and ink
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