Back to gallery
Hiraizumi Konjikidō 1957 (Final Work, Artist's Last Piece)

Art Appreciation

This serene woodblock print captures a tranquil snowy scene leading to a traditional wooden temple nestled among thick snow-laden trees. The composition elegantly draws the eye upwards along a broad stone path and stairway, where a lone figure, bundled against the cold, ascends towards the temple’s entrance under a gently falling snow. The trees on both sides act as natural pillars framing the scene, their branches heavily laden with snow creating a soft, muffled atmosphere. The muted color palette, dominated by soft whites, deep blues, and subtle browns, harmonizes to evoke a chilly, peaceful winter night. The delicate snowflakes scattered across the gradient sky enhance the quiet, contemplative mood of the piece.

The artist’s mastery of traditional ukiyo-e techniques is evident in the meticulous line work and subtle gradations of color which bring life and texture to the snow and wood surfaces. The technique of layering colors in the print is showcased beautifully here, lending depth without overwhelming the serene simplicity of the setting. Historically, this print reflects the classical Japanese aesthetic of mono no aware—a gentle awareness of the impermanence of things—capturing a fleeting moment filled with quiet beauty and solitude. It also serves as a poignant final statement from the artist, offering a contemplative farewell within the timeless beauty of the temple and winter landscape.

Hiraizumi Konjikidō 1957 (Final Work, Artist's Last Piece)

Hasui Kawase

Category:

Created:

1957

Likes:

0

Dimensions:

2064 × 3076 px

Download:

Related artworks

Forest Cape on a Snowy Evening
Pagoda of Ikegami Honmon-ji, 1928
Morning in Dotonbori, Osaka (1933)
Snow Remnants in Urayasu 1932
Panorama of Oizumi Pond from Mitsubishi Fukagawa Villa, 1920
Evening on the Kamo River, Kyoto
Wisteria at Kameido, 1932
Scenery Collection of Japan: Hizen Kanie Beach 1923
Maebashi Shikishima Kawara 1942
Nagato Gorge and Kayi Pool
Higo Prefecture Tochigi Hot Spring, 1922
Moon over the Ara River, Akabane
Travel Notes III (Travel Souvenirs Third Collection) Akita Kusunuma Marsh 1927
Twenty Views of Tokyo: Ochanomizu 1926