Monkey Rock in Shiobara (Shiobara Saruiwa)

Shiobara, a mountain hot-spring resort in Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo, supplied Hasui with several distinctive landscape subjects, of which Saruiwa — Monkey Rock — is among the most geologically specific. The composition likely depicts the dramatically weathered rock formation above the Houki River gorge, with dense deciduous forest on the surrounding slopes. Shiobara's gorge scenery, carved by volcanic activity, offered Hasui an opportunity to render irregular natural forms rather than the placid water and sky arrangements more common in his coastal prints. Vertical cliffs, rushing water, and seasonal foliage would be rendered through careful key-block carving and layered pigment passages. The print belongs to Hasui's long engagement with the landscapes of the Kanto hinterland and demonstrates the shin-hanga movement's interest in promoting regional travel destinations through printmaking.