Mishima River Possibly 1919

This woodblock print by Hasui Kawase presents a calm coastal village bathed in moonlight. I can imagine the careful, meticulous work it must have taken to carve the blocks for each color, layering them to create this tranquil scene. Look at the way the cool blues of the night sky meet the warm glow of the moon, and how the artist uses lines to suggest the gentle ripples of the water. I wonder if Hasui Kawase was trying to capture a fleeting moment, that sense of stillness just before dawn. It makes me think about other artists like Hiroshige, who also found beauty in everyday landscapes. These artists, they're not just showing us what’s there, but how they feel about it, inviting us to share in their quiet contemplation.