Snow scenes represent Hasui's most valuable and technically innovative subject category — he developed specialized carving techniques specifically for depicting falling snow. These subjects carry a consistent 30–50% premium over comparable non-snow designs. Evening Snow at Kambara (a landmark design) achieved $7,200 at Tokyo auction (2024) for a Taisho-era impression. Pine Trees After Snow (first/limited edition) sold for $4,300 at Artelino (2021). Winter Moon over Toyama Moor, combining snow and night effects, reached $3,600 (2022). Pre-war lifetime editions bearing the Watanabe copyright seal (A through G types, 1926–1944) are the most desirable.
Snow at Mukojima, published in December 1931, depicts the low-lying district of Mukojima on the eastern bank of the Sumida River in Tokyo — historically associated with cherry blossoms and the Sumida's pleasure boating culture — under a snowfall that transforms its waterway landscape into a white and gray composition. Mukojima's embankment and the willow trees along the Sumida's bank, blanketed in snow and reflected in the still river, create the kind of intimate urban winter scene that made Hasui's Tokyo snow prints so beloved. The December publication aligns with the print's seasonal subject.
Woodblock print
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban
Yuki no Miyajima
1929
Color woodblock print; oban
1932
Woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Snow at Mukojima (Yuki no Mukojima) (Yuki no Mukojima) was created by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水) in December 1931.
Snow at Mukojima (Yuki no Mukojima) uses Bokashi, Karazuri, and Nishiki-e, on color woodblock print.
Snow at Mukojima (Yuki no Mukojima) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (December 1931).
Snow at Mukojima (Yuki no Mukojima) depicts snow scenes.
Snow at Mukojima (Yuki no Mukojima) measures 24 × 36.3 cm (Oban format).
