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Setakam Rock, Otaru, 1933

Art Appreciation

This captivating woodblock print portrays a rugged coastline where towering cliffs meet a restless sea. The towering rock formations, sharply outlined and textured, rise dramatically from the foamy waves that crash against their bases. The palette is delicate yet vibrant—soft sunset pinks and purples color the sky, weaving through wispy clouds, while various shades of blue energize the turbulent water below. The greens atop the cliffs add a splash of life, contrasting with the grey and brown rocky surfaces. The print's composition cleverly balances the vertical exponent of the rocky cliff with the expansive horizontal swell of the ocean; it leads the eye from the jagged foreground shore to the far horizon, evoking both tranquility and awe. The subtle gradation of colors and the fluttering brushstroke-like carving technique captures the fleeting moment of dusk along this coastal scene, inviting viewers to feel the cool sea breeze and hear the crashing surf. Created in 1933, this work reflects the harmonious blend of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e technique with a modern sensibility in landscape art, celebrating nature's raw beauty with poetic serenity and precision.

Setakam Rock, Otaru, 1933

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1933

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0

Dimensions:

4377 × 6393 px

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