Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An authentic Japanese shin-hanga woodblock print titled 'Evening Snow at Ishinomaki' (Ishinomaki no bosetsu) by master artist Kawase Hasui. Originally designed in 1935, this print depicts a tranquil, snow-covered coastal scene along the water, published by the Watanabe Color Print atelier with Watanabe publisher seals visible.
Story
In 1935, Hasui traversed Miyagi prefecture to immortalize the quiet magic of falling snow in Ishinomaki. Printed from carved cherry woodblocks, this later strike keeps his poetic vision of vanishing Japan brilliantly alive.
Maker / Origin
Kawase Hasui (1883–1957) was the preeminent master of the Shin-hanga ('New Prints') landscape movement, celebrated for his atmospheric depictions of light, snow, and rain. Working alongside visionary publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, Hasui revitalized traditional ukiyo-e collaboration with Western realism and was named a Living National Treasure in 1956.
Condition & Value
The woodblock print shows excellent color saturation, full original margins with deckled edges, strong pigment bleed-through on the verso, and no obvious fading, foxing, or trimming. Excellent preservation supports top-tier pricing for a later impression.
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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.