Shugetsu no Urayasu (Urayasu in early autumn) — History & Facts
When did color learn to lie? In a world where innocence resides, the subtlety of hues can evoke both truth and illusion, blurring the lines between memory and imagination. Begin your exploration by focusing on the gentle blend of blues and browns that define the tranquil landscape. Look closely at the soft strokes that convey the fluidity of water, mirroring the surrounding autumn foliage. Notice how the dappled sunlight dances upon the surface, casting a serene glow that invites you to linger.
This is an intimate moment captured, where nature whispers secrets through the tranquil composition. The interplay of light and shadow reveals deeper emotional currents beneath the surface. The distant trees, with their autumnal hues, suggest a fleeting passage of time, evoking nostalgia and a bittersweet sense of longing. Meanwhile, the serene water reflects not just the landscape but also the innocence of a simpler existence, hinting at the beauty found in ephemeral moments.
Each brushstroke serves as a reminder of nature's transient grace. In 1931, Kawase Hasui created Shugetsu no Urayasu during a period of profound change in Japan, as traditional art forms met modern influences. Living amidst the shift towards urbanization, Hasui’s work encapsulated the enduring allure of the natural world, seeking solace in its beauty. His prints were celebrated for their masterful technique and emotional depth, marking him as a pivotal figure in the shin-hanga movement, which aimed to harmonize Western styles with Japanese aesthetics.
More Artworks by Kawase Hasui

Hizen Yobuko no asa (Morning in Yobuko, Hizen)
Kawase Hasui

Saisho-in Temple, Hirosaki
Kawase Hasui

Tsukiji Honganji no yuzuki (Evening moon at Honganji Temple in Tsukiji)
Kawase Hasui

Izumo, Yasugi Kiyomizu (Yasugi Kiyomizu Temple at Izumo)
Kawase Hasui

Yuki ni fururu Terajima mura (Evening snow at Terajima Village)
Kawase Hasui

Kanda Myojin keidai (Kanda Myojin Shrine precent)
Kawase Hasui

Hoshizukiyo Miyajima (Starlit Night at Miyajima)
Kawase Hasui

Autumn In Oirase
Kawase Hasui

Oirase no aki (Autumn at Oirase)
Kawase Hasui

Matsushima Futagojima
Kawase Hasui
More Landscape Art

Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh

View of Delft
Johannes Vermeer

Water Lilies
Claude Monet

The Grand Canal, Venice, looking north-west from the Ca' Corner to the Ca' Contarini degli Scrigni, with the campanile of Santa Maria della Carità
Canaletto

Windsor Castle
Canaletto

The Grand Canal looking North-East from the Palazzo Dolfin-Manin to the Rialto Bridge
Canaletto
