KAWASE HASUI - Konjikido In Snow, Hiraizumi

THE ARTWORK

“Konjikido in Snow, Hiraizumi” is a woodblock print by Kawase Hasui, created in 1957. This artwork is part of the Shin-hanga movement, which revitalized traditional Japanese woodblock printing with a modern touch. The print depicts the Konjikido, or Golden Hall, of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, blanketed in snow. The serene winter scene captures the tranquility and beauty of the temple, with snow-covered trees and a lone figure ascending the stone steps. This piece is particularly significant as it was Hasui’s last work, printed posthumously and distributed among friends and acquaintances at his memorial service. The print reflects Hasui’s mastery in portraying seasonal landscapes and his ability to evoke a sense of peaceful solitude. The delicate interplay of light and shadow, combined with the muted color palette, creates a contemplative atmosphere, making it a poignant tribute to Hasui’s artistic journey

THE ARTIST

Kawase Hasui (1883–1957) was a prominent Japanese artist renowned for his mastery of woodblock prints, particularly landscapes. Born in Tokyo, Hasui initially trained in Western-style painting before transitioning to woodblock printing under the guidance of master printmaker Kaburagi Kiyokata. Influenced by traditional Japanese art and Western impressionism, Hasui developed a unique style characterized by vivid colors, meticulous detail, and a keen sense of atmosphere.

Hasui's prints often depicted serene landscapes, capturing the beauty of Japan's natural scenery and the changing seasons with remarkable sensitivity. He collaborated extensively with publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, contributing to the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement of the early 20th century, which sought to revive traditional Japanese printmaking techniques while incorporating modern artistic sensibilities. Today, his prints are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide, preserving his legacy as one of Japan's most celebrated printmakers.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit