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Rare First Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Moon at Magome Kawase Hasui

Creator: Kawase Hasui
Offered by: Tishu

Description
"Umagome no tsuki (Moon at Umagome) from the series Tokyo Nijukkei (20 Views of Tokyo), is inarguably one of the most beloved works by Japanese artist Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) created in 1930. Generally regarded as the masterpiece among Hasui's nocturnal designs, the print depicts a full moon peeking out from the clouds behind a giant pine tree. Under the moonlight, a lone thatch-roof farmhouse stands at the end of a field, half-hidden by the bushes. The light illuminating the house outlines the tiny window. The poetic composition and the moody nocturnal color evoke a strong psychological sense of nostalgia and melancholy, makes this work an enduring piece of art. It decorates the cover of extensive reference book, "Kawase Hasui; The Complete Woodblock Prints" by Hotei Publishing.
Watanabe.
This fine print on offer is a rare copy of prewar first edition. The image had a strong impression and has retained a vibrant colors and various shades. Signed with a read seal in plate lower left corner. It bears a C2 type seal from the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo. Commonly referred to as the Sausage seal, it dates the work between July 1932–1942. In addition, there is also an M12 type of oval company stamp on the lower left margin, which is found verso more commonly and serves as an export stamp from 1930.
The print is well preserved. It retains the residues of old mounting tapes from historical framing as shown.
Reference: Illustrated at plate 169 of Kawase Hasui Mokuhangashu (Kawase Hasui Catalogue of Woodblock Prints), Narazaki, Muneshige, ed., (Tokyo: Kodansha & Mainichi Shinbun, 1979).

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Japan
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	woodblock print on paper
Condition:	Good. Strong impression and color. The back margin retains old tape residues. Minor foxing and spotting on the margin and a small tear line on the right margin not effecting the image. All as shown in photos.
Creation Date:	1930
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
Incollect Reference #:	812608

Dimensions

W.	10.25 in;	H.	15.5 in;	D.	0.1 in;
W.	26.04 cm;	H.	39.37 cm;	D.	0.25 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.