Some people are born to break the mold. Hasui Kawase (May 18, 1883–November 7, 1957) was without doubt one of them. Following his heart, he became one of the most legendary woodblock painters in Japan and his love of art and relentless drive left us with an incredibly alive body of visual art. His interpretations of nature and urban environments helped shape the iconic style of Shin-hanga (新版画 new block print). 

Who was Hasui Kawase?

Kawase’s journey began in Tokyo, where he was born into a family of silk braid merchants. Conservative figures, his parents expected him to conform to their values, not understanding his love of art and wanting him to work in the family business. For 26 years, Hasui silenced the artistic scream he had inside. When the business went bankrupt, a much sought-after door opened for young Hasui.

The power of mentorship is undeniable, and one can always find light in the dark. Kawase's maternal uncle was a dedicated artist, and created the first manga magazine. As the only creative soul in the family, he played a major role in Kawase's artistic calling.

Juggling his mundane job, Kawase persevered, creating art that showcased his beautiful talent. At 19, he debuted his work at the Tatsumi Exhibition of Painting and at 26, he applied to study with Kiyokata Kaburagi, one of the great masters of traditional woodblock painting (Nihonga).

The longer we're alive, the more we learn that obstacles tend to hide around every corner. Unfortunately, Kiyokata rejected his application. He believed it would be more sensible for the young apprentice to study Western art instead. For two years, Hasui studied the Western style only to return to the master who this time around, took him under his wing.

Western Elements and The Art of Traveling

Hasui Kawase was one of the pioneers who developed the hybrid style of Shin-hanga which combined Western elements with traditional Japanese forms. One of his earlier works was The Washington Monument, merging two opposite worlds: the fragility of the cherry blossom tree and a looming American construction.

Kawase’s creative process involved his artistic perception of real-life experiences of nature. He committed to seeing first-hand the scenes he painted, driving him to visit a complex variety of nature spots. His travels across Japan are central to his legacy and continue to inspire many artists. While many of his contemporaries recreated images, Hasui disrupted the existing norms by creating his own detailed, insightful style enabled by his first-hand approach. Like no one before him, he breathed life into his paintings.

The Power of Nature, Trees and Night

It is unsurprising that, as someone who spent much of his time in nature, Kawase developed a fascination for trees. His recreation of trees, particularly when looking at his paintings at night, is a deeply moving experience.

The way he painted light and shadows in the nighttime is one of his trademarks – a mirror of his mastership. It is his homage to traditional Japanese artistic elements, such as shadow painting. As his audience, we are unbelievably lucky to experience his love of trees in epic works such as Hikawa Park in Omiya.

“I picked places to sketch that didn't require that I omit a single tree or blade of grass.” 

-Hasui Kawase

Legacy

The Japanese government classified Hasui Kawase as a Living National Treasure. The masterpiece Shiba Zojo Temple was designated an Intangible Cultural Treasure – the greatest artistic honor in post-war Japan. 

Kawase’s legacy goes far beyond awards and honors. At its core lies Kawase’s resilient spirit and life as a traveler. Together, they shaped him into a role model for contemporary landscape artists everywhere. His skill and inspired choices led to a groundbreaking, poetic body of work and, ultimately, his freedom.