The Sacred Bridge at Nikkô (Nikkô Shinkyô)

The Shinkyô (Sacred Bridge) spans the Daiya River at the base of the approach to the Tôshôgû shrine complex in Nikkô, Tochigi Prefecture. Its vermillion lacquered woodwork set against forested hills made it one of the most depicted landmarks in twentieth-century shin-hanga production. Hasui treated this subject in multiple prints, often rendering it under snow or in seasons when the color contrast between the lacquered structure and natural surroundings was sharpest. The composition likely shows the arched bridge from a diagonal angle, with the river surface below reflecting portions of the structure and surrounding vegetation. Characteristic Hasui techniques include bokashi gradations in the sky above the treeline and attention to textural difference between the bridge's lacquered posts and the organic forms of the cedar forest. The interplay between the human-made and natural elements—architectural precision against forest depth—is central to the print's compositional and emotional effect. The print was most likely published by Watanabe Shôzaburô.