Snow at Shiba Park

This print represents Hasui's initial recorded design for the subject of Shiba Park in snow, establishing the compositional approach he would revisit and vary across multiple states and editions. Located in central Tokyo adjacent to Zojoji Temple, Shiba Park provided Hasui with access to mature trees, gravel paths, stone architectural elements, and the dramatic rooflines of one of the capital's most significant Buddhist temple complexes. A snowfall or post-snow condition transforms these elements: branches are outlined in white against an overcast sky, gravel paths disappear under a uniform white plane, and stone lanterns wear accumulations that alter their silhouettes. Hasui's treatment of such scenes prioritizes tonal atmosphere over narrative incident, with the human figure absent or reduced to small-scale presence. The print was produced through Watanabe Shozaburo's shin-hanga workshop in collaboration with specialist carvers and printers responsible for achieving the subtle gradations and registration precision Hasui's designs required.