Kawase Hasui: The Seasons Boxed Notecard Assortment

One of the most prolific artists of the shin hanga (new prints) movement, Kawase Hasui produced over 600 woodblock prints during his 40-year career. In 1956, he was awarded the prestigious title of Living National Treasure by the Japanese government. Hasui’s Impressionist-influenced landscapes in this collection emphasize the beauty of Japan’s countryside and the changing seasons: an iris garden in spring, bright sunshine on a red bridge in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and snow on Mt. Fuji in winter. Contains five each of the following notecards: Mt. Fuji after Snow, Oshino, 1952 Iris Garden at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, 1951 Nikko Shin-kyo (Shin Bridge, Nikko), 1951 Autumn at Saruiwa, Shiobara, 1949

Kawase Hasui

Kawase Hasui (Japanese, 1883–1957) created Impressionist-influenced artwork that emphasized the beauty of Japan’s countryside and the changing seasons. His parents were merchants, but after trying his hand at the family business, Hasui decided it wasn’t for him. Instead, at 25 he began studying art at the school of master Japanese painter Kaburagi Kiyokata. Often on the road in search of inspiration, Hasui brought his watercolor sketches to the printing studio of publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, where they were transformed into woodblock prints for sale on the world market. The prints became especially popular in the United States. One of the most prolific artists of the shin hanga (new prints) movement, Hasui produced over 600 woodblock prints during his 40-year career. In 1956, he was awarded the prestigious title of Living National Treasure, the highest honor accorded to artists in postwar Japan.