Evening At Soemoncho, Hasui Kawase

Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) was a Japanese printmaker and one of the leading artists of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement. He was known for his serene and poetic landscape prints, which often depicted traditional Japanese subjects such as temples, shrines, and bridges.

Hasui was born in Tokyo and studied Western-style painting before turning to woodblock prints in the early 1900s. He was particularly influenced by the work of the shin-hanga artist Watanabe Shozaburo, who encouraged him to create prints that were both traditional and modern.

Over the course of his career, Hasui produced more than 600 prints. He traveled extensively throughout Japan, sketching and painting the landscapes that he would later depict in his prints. His work is known for its delicate brushwork, harmonious colors, and atmospheric effects.

Hasui's prints were highly popular during his lifetime, and they continue to be admired by collectors and art lovers around the world. In 1952, he was designated a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government.