Tennoji Temple in Osaka – Kawase Hasui Print (1927)

Silence and snow in the oldest part of Osaka

Snow is falling on the great temple of Shitennō-ji. Beneath an umbrella, a lone figure pauses in the empty courtyard, dwarfed by the dark roofs and the tall pagoda rising behind. With a few flakes and a single silhouette, Kawase Hasui turns a monumental site into an intimate, almost meditative moment.

One of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples

Shitennō-ji, the "Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings", was founded in 593 by Prince Shōtoku, the regent who championed Buddhism in Japan. It is often regarded as the first Buddhist temple to be officially administered in the country, and it still stands in the oldest district of Osaka. Hasui captures it not as a tourist landmark but as a place of calm contemplation, softened by the winter light.

From the Souvenirs of Travel series

This print belongs to Hasui's third Souvenirs of Travel series (Tabi miyage dai sanshū), a set of 29 views issued between 1924 and 1929 and published by Watanabe Shōzaburō, the driving force behind the shin-hanga movement. The design was admired in the West almost immediately: the Art Institute of Chicago acquired an impression as early as 1929, and it remains one of Hasui's most sought-after snow scenes.

Why it works so well on a wall

Its deep, velvety tones and the quiet drama of the snow make this print a striking choice for a living room, a study or an entryway. It pairs well with dark wood, natural textures and muted colours. A black or walnut frame underlines its depth, while light oak gives it a softer, Japandi feel.

• Artist: Kawase Hasui (1883–1957)
• Japanese title: Ōsaka Tennōji
• Date: 1927
• Series: Souvenirs of Travel, Third Series (Tabi miyage dai sanshū)
• Publisher: Watanabe Shōzaburō, Tokyo
• Original: color woodblock print, vertical ōban format
• Our print: high-quality reproduction on museum-grade matte paper (not an original woodblock print)

From the same series, discover Morning in Beppu and Ryuga Island, Oga Peninsula, or explore our full Kawase Hasui prints collection.