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Nagato Gorge and Kayi Pool

Art Appreciation

This evocative woodblock print bursts with the serene yet vibrant energy of a secluded Japanese gorge, where jagged rocks frame a crystalline pool of water so vividly colored it almost glows—an enchanting interplay of turquoise and deep blue. The artist’s mastered use of layered gradations and delicate line work conjures a quiet harmony between the solid, textured mountainsides and the fluid, reflective surface of the water. Fiery autumn foliage crowns the rocky cliffs, painting the scene with warm oranges and yellows that contrast beautifully with the coolness below, evoking a transient moment of nature’s splendor.

The composition draws the eye inward, guiding it through the cascading waterway into the mysterious depths of the scenery, as if inviting us to step quietly into this hidden sanctuary. The piece reverberates with a calm stillness, punctuated by the tactile presence of rugged stone and the soft murmur of flowing water. Created in 1922 amidst the shin-hanga movement, this work beautifully captures Japan’s natural landscapes with a refined blend of traditional ukiyo-e techniques and renewed artistic vigor, imbuing the familiar with fresh emotion and timeless tranquility.

Nagato Gorge and Kayi Pool

Hasui Kawase

Category:

Created:

1922

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0

Dimensions:

4000 × 2956 px

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