Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An iconic Shin-hanga masterpiece titled 'Snow at Kiyomizu Hall, Ueno' (上野清水堂の雪) designed by Kawase Hasui in July 1929 (Showa 4). It depicts a lone figure carrying a vivid blue and yellow umbrella ascending the snowy steps of the vermilion temple hall amid a heavy snowfall.
Story
Created in July 1929, Hasui envisioned this serene winter scene to capture the quiet, enduring spirit of Tokyo. His delicate use of falling snowflakes against deep temple vermilion helped define the global modern Japanese landscape aesthetic.
Maker / Origin
Kawase Hasui (1883–1957) was a central figure in the Shin-hanga ('New Prints') movement and was named a Japanese Living National Treasure in 1956. Traveling relentlessly across Japan with sketchbooks in hand, he collaborated closely with master carvers and printers under publisher Watanabe Shozaburo to revolutionize woodblock landscape art.
Condition & Value
Good visual condition with bright, vibrant pigments and strong bleed-through to the verso. Minimal edge toning and minor handling creases to the wide margins, typical of loose prints; no visible major tears or repairs.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.