Ushibori Moat in Rain c. 1930s

"Ushibori Moat in Rain" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Hasui Kawase, created in the 1930s. This evocative print, now held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, depicts a serene scene of a canal in Japan, with rain gently falling and reflecting in the water. The scene is dominated by a single-story building, likely a warehouse, with a ladder extending from the roof. The composition of the print highlights the gentle beauty of the Japanese landscape, characterized by delicate lines and the use of muted colors. This print is a fine example of the "shin-hanga" (new prints) movement, which emerged in the early 20th century and sought to revive traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques.