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Rain at Matsue Lakeside

Art Appreciation

This evocative print captures a serene lakeside scene under the gentle yet persistent touch of rain. Central to the composition is a tall, lush tree, its verdant leaves rendered in delicate textures that contrast with the linear strokes of the falling rain. The rain itself creates a rhythmic curtain, softly bridging land and water, setting a tranquil mood. Along the shore, rich amber reeds sway subtly, suggesting the impact of wind amidst the rain. A lone boatman, clad in simple attire and guiding his small vessel with a pole, adds a quiet narrative of solitude and human presence against the vast expanse of water and sky.

The artist's technique reflects a refined command of traditional woodblock printmaking, blending subtle gradations of blues and greens with earthy tones for the reeds and ground, which balances the cool atmosphere. Compositionally, the work balances verticality of the tree with horizontal expanses of the lake and sky, inviting viewers' gaze to move fluidly across the scene. Emotionally, the scene is both calm and slightly melancholic—a moment of quiet endurance amidst nature’s gentle storm. Created in 1932, this print channels the spirit of early 20th-century Japanese landscape art that embraced both natural beauty and human scale, offering a contemplative glimpse into the quiet dramas of everyday rural life.

Rain at Matsue Lakeside

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1932

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0

Dimensions:

6532 × 4375 px

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