Autumn at Oirase 1933

"Autumn at Oirase" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) created in 1933. The work depicts a serene landscape of a winding river flowing through a forest in the height of autumn, with vibrant red and yellow foliage. Kawase, a master of the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, is known for his evocative depictions of natural beauty and his use of rich colors and bold compositions. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this piece, which is a prime example of Kawase’s artistry and captures the essence of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in the fleeting and imperfect aspects of nature.