A Nocturnal Fuji, Lake Ashino
by Kawase Hasui
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
- Image courtesy of
- Japanese Art Open Database
Description
The fourth variant in this series of Lake Ashinoko nocturne prints underscores the importance of impression quality in evaluating Hasui's work. Shin-hanga prints were produced in numbered runs, and early impressions on high-quality gampi or hosho washi with freshly cut blocks generally show crisper lines and richer color than later restrikes. In nocturnal compositions, these differences are most visible in the sky gradations: a fine early impression will show smooth, cloud-free bokashi from deep indigo at the top to lighter tones at the horizon, while a later printing may show banding or uneven pigment distribution. Fuji's silhouette, carved with a single decisive line against the sky, is the compositional anchor, while the glassy lake surface below completes the image's quality of suspended silence.
More Prints by Kawase Hasui
More Landscapes Prints
Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Autumn Maple Leaves at Takao, from the album Eight Views of Kyoto (Kyôto hakkei)
Woodblock print
The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Tea Kettle, section of a sheet from the series "Mirror of Stone Rubbings of Views of the Provinces" (Kohon meihitsu ishizuri kagami)
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Nocturnal Fuji, Lake Ashino was created by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水).
A Nocturnal Fuji, Lake Ashino depicts landscapes.