KAWASE HASUI - Matsushima In Moonlight

THE ARTWORK

"Tsuki no Matsushima (Matsushima In Moonlight)" is a shin-hanga woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kawase Hasui, published in 1919. The scene depicts a group of islands in Matsushima Bay bathed in the soft glow of the moon. The water is calm, and the islands are shown in silhouette against the moonlit sky.

Matsushima is located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It is celebrated as one of the "Three Views of Japan", renowned for its picturesque islands adorned with pine trees. Matsushima's landscape has inspired poets, artists, and travelers for centuries, symbolizing tranquility and natural harmony. The islands are dotted with historic temples and shrines, including Zuiganji Temple, which dates back to the 9th century.

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