Kiyosu Bridge at Twilight - Japanese Woodblock Print by Kawase Hasui

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of "Kiyosu Bridge" (清洲橋), a masterpiece by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), the undisputed master of shin-hanga printmaking. This sublime work captures the poetry of twilight over Tokyo's Sumida River, where the modern steel bridge stands majestically against a gradient sky of turquoise and indigo.

Kawase Hasui revolutionized ukiyo-e art by integrating modern Japanese architecture from the Showa era into the woodblock printing tradition. The Kiyosu Bridge, inaugurated in 1928, symbolizes Tokyo's modernization while preserving Japanese contemplative aesthetics. The artist excels in rendering luminous reflections on rippling water, where golden bridge lights shimmer like fireflies on the river's dark surface.

This print illustrates Hasui's unique talent for capturing transitory moments: the blue hour when day surrenders to night, creating an atmosphere of meditative serenity. Traditional boats gliding silently beneath the steel arches embody the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, a central theme of 20th-century Japan.

Why collect this print?

• Renowned master: Hasui is celebrated as the last great ukiyo-e master
• Decorative value: Soothing palette of deep blues, perfect for contemporary or traditional interiors
• Museum quality: Faithful reproduction respecting original woodblock techniques

Perfect for Japanese art enthusiasts, print collectors, zen decoration, meditation spaces, or as a refined gift for lovers of Japanese culture.

Artistic characteristics:

• Artist: Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水)
• Title: Kiyosu Bridge (清洲橋)
• Period: Shin-hanga (New Prints), Showa era
• Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga)
• Style: Nocturnal/twilight landscape
• Publisher: Watanabe Shōzaburō (渡邊庄三郎)

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