Back to gallery
Kasuga's Golden Kintai Bridge 1947

Art Appreciation

This serene woodblock print captures a delicately arching wooden bridge, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a softening twilight sky. The foreground bursts with vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom, their pink petals scattered across the still blue water below, reflecting the ephemeral beauty of spring. The intricate stonework of the bridge's pillars contrasts with the natural softness of the blossoms, while a lone boatman quietly navigates the gentle current, adding a human touch to the tranquil scene. The palette is composed of deep blues, gentle pinks, and muted earth tones, creating a harmonious atmosphere that feels both peaceful and contemplative.

The artist's masterful technique is evident in the meticulous detailing of the blossoms and the textural nuances of the stone and wood. The composition directs the eye in a flowing motion—from the clustered cherry blossoms upward over the bridge to the distant hills—imbuing the viewer with a sense of quiet passage through time. Historically, the print belongs to the 20th century resurgence of ukiyo-e, embracing traditional Japanese aesthetics while appealing to modern sensibilities. Emotionally, the print evokes a contemplative stillness, inviting the viewer to pause and absorb the fleeting beauty of a spring dusk under the iconic golden hour light.

Kasuga's Golden Kintai Bridge 1947

Hasui Kawase

Category:

Created:

1947

Likes:

0

Dimensions:

4096 × 6014 px

Download:

Related artworks

View of Onsen-ga-take from Amakusa
Ueno Park, Tokyo, 1952
Evening Moonlight at the Temple
Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera 1933
Tokyo Twelve Views: Daikongashi
Seashore of West Izu, Miho 1937
Honmon Temple, Ikegami
Tokyo Twenty Views: Hirakawa Gate (1930)
Karigasaka Mountain Pass 1927
Selected Japanese Scenery: Chūson-ji Golden Hall in Hiraizumi (1935)
Zojoji Temple in Shiba
Travel Notes III (Souvenirs of Travel Part 3) Akita Tozaki 1928
Rain at Matsue Lakeside