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Shiba Benten Pond 1929

Art Appreciation

This captivating woodblock print immerses the viewer in a serene and expansive lotus pond, where lush, broad green leaves dominate the foreground, punctuated by delicate pink blossoms that seem to float gracefully above the water. At the heart of this verdant scene stands a wooden bridge, softly curving and appearing almost as an invitation to wander across it, carrying three figures—a man, a woman, and perhaps a child—who seemed lost in quiet contemplation or gentle conversation. The sky overhead presents a textured wash of deep, atmospheric blues peppered with subtle cloud patterns, suggesting the coming dusk or a tranquil twilight. This feel of calm interplays beautifully with the intricate detail in the leaves and the soft gradations of color, evoking a meditative stillness and a deep reverence for nature's gentle rhythms.

Executed with remarkable precision and a refined sense of composition, the artist expertly balances the ornate details of the lotus leaves with the simplicity of the wooden structure, allowing the eye to rest upon each element harmoniously. The use of a rich yet muted color palette—ranging from deep teals and greens to the soft touches of pink and earthy browns—imbues the image with both vibrancy and subtlety. This woodblock print, created in 1929 in the style reminiscent of the shin-hanga movement, reflects a synthesis of traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern sensibility, capturing a fleeting moment in time while celebrating the enduring beauty of the natural world. The emotional effect is quietly profound; one can almost hear the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of water lapping near the bridge, inviting a pause to reflect and find stillness amidst the busy world.

Shiba Benten Pond 1929

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1929

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Dimensions:

4096 × 2586 px

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