A rising moon reflected in the Katase River near Enoshima creates a scene of serene beauty in this Watanabe-published night scene. Lifetime editions typically sell for $1,200-$2,500. The dual presence of the moon -- in the sky and mirrored on the water -- showcases the precise registration and bokashi skill that Watanabe's printers brought to Kasamatsu's nocturnal designs.
The moon rises over the Katase River estuary near Fujisawa, its reflection fragmenting in the moving tidal water as the disc clears the horizon. The Katase River enters Sagami Bay at a wide estuary that at moonrise offered Kasamatsu a composition of horizontal water, vertical lunar light, and the dark silhouette of the Enoshima Island causeway in the distance. The moon over water was among his most frequently explored subjects, and the Katase River location gave it a specific coastal geography.
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Woodblock print
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Rising Moon at Katase River was created by Shiro Kasamatsu (笠松紫浪).
Rising Moon at Katase River uses Bokashi, Nishiki-e, and Moku-hanga, on woodblock print.
Rising Moon at Katase River was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Rising Moon at Katase River depicts landscapes, rivers & lakes, and moonlight.
