Waka-no-ura Bay in Wakayama Prefecture is a scenic inlet that has inspired Japanese poets since ancient times. Asano's depiction of this historic bay brings his landscape abilities to a subject south of his usual Kyoto territory. Prices generally fall between $150-$500, with the coastal setting and historical literary associations adding cultural depth to the composition.
Waka no Ura Bay on the Wakayama coast — a classical scenic area celebrated in the Man'yoshu poetry anthology — is rendered with the warm atmospheric sensitivity Asano brought to Japan's most historically resonant seascape subjects. The bay's pine-covered islets, rocky shores, and the particular quality of light off the Kii Peninsula's warm-water coast created a landscape quite different from the more austere temple precincts that dominated his output. The bay's ancient associations with classical poetry gave his rendering additional cultural resonance.
1940
Woodblock print
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Boshu Taikai
1925
Color woodblock print; oban
September 1931
Color woodblock print; oban
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Waka no Ura Bay (和歌浦) was created by Takeji Asano (浅野竹二).
Waka no Ura Bay uses Bokashi, Nishiki-e, and Moku-hanga, on woodblock print.
Waka no Ura Bay was published by Unsodo.
Waka no Ura Bay depicts seascapes.
