Snow and night scenes traditionally command higher prices. Key value factors: Edition order (first Watanabe/Doi printing vs. posthumous reprints) is crucial. Snow scenes, night views, and bijin-ga typically command premiums. Publisher seals and artist signatures authenticate first editions.
The second variant of Arai's moonlit beach composition, this impression reveals how subtle differences in printing — ink density, paper dampness, pressure of the [baren](/glossary/baren) — could alter the character of a woodblock design. Variant impressions were common in Japanese printmaking, where each pull from the blocks was essentially a unique object. In this version, the relationship between moonlight and water may shift in warmth or intensity compared to V1, demonstrating the range of effects achievable from a single set of carved blocks. The beach remains empty and expansive, the moon a commanding presence overhead. Night scenes required particular skill from the printer, who had to balance deep shadow areas against the luminous passages that give such prints their emotional weight.
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.
Moonlit Beach Scene- V2 was created by Yoshimune Arai (荒井芳宗).
Moonlit Beach Scene- V2 depicts seascapes, moonlight, and night scenes.
