Kawase Hasui and Utagawa Hiroshige - A Legacy of Light, Mood, and Mastery
Welcome, woodblock print collectors and enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into the world of Shin-hanga—the “new print” movement of early 20th-century Japan—by exploring the life and art of one of its most well-known artists, Kawase Hasui. Later on, we’ll take a look at how Hasui’s work compares to the great ukiyo-e landscape master Ando Hiroshige.
What Is Shin-Hanga?
The Shin-hanga movement brought fresh perspective to traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Emerging in the early 1900s, Shin-hanga artists introduced a very different, Western-influenced, painterly approach to Japanese subjects—especially landscapes, and beautiful women. Unlike earlier ukiyo-e prints, Shin-hanga emphasized naturalism and mood over black linework and traditional design conventions.
While the Shin-hanga style found moderate success in Japan, it gained tremendous popularity in the West. Artists like Hashiguchi Goyō, Itō Shinsui, Natori Shunsen, Ohara Koson, and Takahashi Shōtei produced work that appealed to Western collectors.
Side note: Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was a big fan of Shin-hanga. In fact, at the launch of the original Macintosh in 1984, he showcased an image from his personal collection—Hashiguchi Goyō’s “Combing Her Hair.” But his favorite artist? Kawase Hasui.
Kawase Hasui: A Painter’s Touch in Printmaking
Kawase Hasui was born in 1883 and, from a young age, he aspired to be an artist. He studied under several teachers in both traditional Japanese and Western-style painting. His breakthrough came when he partnered with publisher Shōzaburō Watanabe, the visionary behind the Shin-hanga movement. Their collaboration would span four decades.
And, if you're ever in Tokyo, Watanabe’s original shop—established in 1909—can still be found in the Ginza district.
Hasui’s prints stand out for their painterly depth. Below you can see examples of his original watercolor studies (on the left) alongside the final woodblock prints (on the right). The transition from painting to print involved close cooperation with carvers and printers to bring his vision to life. Hasui once said:
“No artist is able to savor the satisfaction I have when [the printer] is able to bring out just the color I was looking for.”
Highlights from Hasui’s Print Series
Hasui produced numerous series, but two of the most notable are Twelve Scenes of Tōkyō and Selected Views of Japan. Here are a few standout works:
In the print below, soft shading and texture create a pastel-like quality that’s rare in woodblock printing. The rainy day scene captures wet surfaces and the sensation of moisture in the air—truly atmospheric.
Another landscape work focuses on quiet reflection, with a still body of water showing more visual detail in its reflection than in the bridge above.
A father and child crossing a sunny stone bridge is brought to life through blue skies and shimmering water.
A snowy evening at Kiyomizu Temple uses red and green elements to break through the monochrome cold.
A nearly pointillist depiction of heavy snowfall showcases Hasui’s use of perspective and subtle color blocks.
In the print of Kumamoto Castle, the textures and reflections alone are mesmerizing. The intricate detail, especially the baren-created texture in the water, rewards close viewing.
Hasui vs. Hiroshige: Two Masters of Landscape
While it's tempting to pit artists against each other in a “who’s better” match-up, Hasui and Hiroshige lived in different eras and reflected different artistic goals. Still, comparing their works offers a fascinating way to appreciate how landscape art evolved.
Zōjō-ji Temple in Snow: Hiroshige’s version (left) features strong black outlines and simplified color blocks, typical of ukiyo-e. Hasui’s interpretation is soft, layered, and realistic—quintessential Shin-hanga.
Kameido Tenjin Shrine: Both artists depicted the famous half-moon bridge. Hiroshige (left) likely used 12 blocks; Hasui, more than 20. Both are stunning in their own right.
Rainstorm Scenes: Hiroshige’s rains are dramatic—trees bend, travelers rush. Hasui’s rain is quieter, with glowing windows and subtle light reflecting in puddles.
Despite their differences, both artists masterfully evoke the feeling of place and weather—whether it's the quiet melancholy of snow or the sudden intensity of a summer downpour.
Legacy and Further Exploration
Kawase Hasui and Ando Hiroshige were both innovators whose influence continues to resonate. Hasui brought a new dimension of mood and realism to woodblock printing, and his works are now among the most treasured in Japanese art.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Hasui’s prints, I recommend checking out Elias Martin’s website and YouTube channel, Collecting Japanese Prints. Another great resource is Mokuhanga1.com, which has extensive information on Hasui’s life and legacy. Mie Gallery has a large selection of Hiroshige prints for sale.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned—more articles and artist spotlights are coming soon. Until then, happy collecting!