Pier at Otaru, Harbour at Night 1933

"Pier at Otaru, Harbour at Night" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Hasui Kawase, created in 1933. The print depicts a serene nighttime scene at the Otaru harbor, with a pier extending into the water. Silhouettes of two figures stand on the pier, bathed in the warm glow of a lamppost, while the reflection of the city lights dances on the water's surface. The use of soft colors and atmospheric perspective creates a sense of tranquility and isolation, capturing the quiet beauty of a Japanese harbor at night. This work showcases Kawase's mastery of the shin-hanga style, known for its meticulous detail and evocative depiction of everyday life.