Arashiyama in Winter

Artist: Kawase Hasui

Name: Arashiyama in Winter

Date: 1921

Description: Hasui’s Arashiyama in Winter utilizes a distinctive device in which a line of pine trees functions as a type of latticework within the composition. A boat floating on the water is visible between the trees. Boats are one of the most common images found in Hiroshige’s prints. His Five-Trunked Pine on the Onagi shows a huge pine branch supported on poles, hanging over a canal. On the boat is a party of pleasure-seekers. His poetic print Seba, also depicting a boat on a river, is considered to be one of Hiroshige’s most successful works. (from Nostalgic Japan exhibition 6/8/2005-) ALT TEXT Arashiyama, a famous scenic area located to the west of Kyoto, is one of the ancient capitals of Japan. A popular activity there in any season is a boat ride down the Öi River. In the spring, cherry blossoms are an attraction; in the summer, the surrounding greenery is lush; in the fall, the foliage is brilliant; and in the winter, snow-covered vistas are spectacular. Hasui depicts eight red-pine trees standing in a line. A boat carrying passengers is visible through a gap in the trees. This artistic device (placing enlarged objects in the foreground to create an illusion of depth) was often employed by classical ukiyo-e masters such as Hokusai and Hiroshige. Originally based on Western perspective, this method became a different technique in the hands of the Japanese, who modified it and exaggerated certain elements. (2008)

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