Spring Rain merges the gentle renewal of the season with Kasamatsu's beloved rain theme, creating a composition of quiet lyricism. Watanabe lifetime editions typically command $1,200-$3,000. Unlike his more dramatic night rain scenes, the lighter spring rain here carries a quality of freshness and growth that gives this print a distinctly optimistic character.
Spring rain falls on a Japanese landscape — perhaps temple grounds, a garden, or a city street — the moisture softening edges and enriching colors while the particular quality of spring rain light suffuses the scene with a diffuse warmth quite different from summer downpours. Kasamatsu's spring rain prints occupy a middle register between the dramatic heavy rainfall of his summer and autumn scenes and the delicate precipitation of the brief spring rainy season. The composition captures rain as a seasonal condition with its own aesthetic character.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Spring Rain was created by Shiro Kasamatsu (笠松紫浪).
Spring Rain uses Bokashi, Nishiki-e, and Moku-hanga, on woodblock print.
Spring Rain was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Spring Rain depicts spring and rain.
