Hasui Kawase was a prominent Japanese woodblock print artist who lived from 1883 to 1957. He is particularly renowned for his landscape prints, which are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
Hasui Kawase primarily lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan. He was born in the Asakusa district of Tokyo in 1883, and he spent much of his life in the city. However, he also traveled extensively throughout Japan, creating many of his most famous prints based on his travels.
Kawase was associated with the publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, who was based in Tokyo. Watanabe was instrumental in promoting Kawase’s work both in Japan and internationally, and many of Kawase’s most famous prints were produced in collaboration with Watanabe.
Despite his association with Tokyo and Watanabe, Kawase was known for his depictions of landscapes and scenery from throughout Japan. His travels took him to many different parts of the country, including Hokkaido, Kyushu, and the Japanese Alps, among others. He was particularly known for his depictions of snow scenes, and many of his prints feature winter landscapes from various regions of Japan.
There are several factors that contribute to Hasui Kawase’s popularity in the art market. One reason is his exceptional skill and technique as a woodblock print artist. He was a master of the medium, and his prints are characterized by their fine lines, delicate colors, and intricate compositions.
Another reason for Kawase’s popularity is the beauty and tranquility of his landscapes. His prints capture the essence of the Japanese countryside and its changing seasons, depicting scenes that are both serene and evocative.
Additionally, Kawase was a prolific artist, producing over 600 prints during his career. This means that there is a large body of work for collectors to choose from, increasing the accessibility and availability of his prints.
However, although he did produce a number of beautiful designs, what adds value to Kawase Hasui’s prints are that Kawase’s prints were produced in limited editions, which further adds to their rarity and collectability. This scarcity, combined with the artist’s skill and the beauty of his works, has led to high demand and prices in the art market.
The size of Hasui Kawase’s limited editions varied depending on the specific print. However, most of his prints were produced in relatively small editions, typically ranging from 100 to 300 prints per design. This limited edition further adds value to his prints.
Kawase was known for working closely with his publishers, and he often had a say in the size of the edition for each print. He would carefully oversee the production of each print, ensuring that the colors, lines, and other details were accurate and of high quality.
Because of the small size of his editions and his careful attention to detail, Kawase’s prints are highly prized by collectors and can command high prices at auction.
Look out for a number of Kawase Hasui’s woodblock prints for sale by searching our website. We are constantly adding new woodblock prints for sale! Furthermore, sell your original woodblock print with us – get in touch by submitting photos and we will help you value and sell your print!
