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Yakumo Bridge at the Nagata Shrine, Kobe

Art Appreciation

This vibrant woodblock print captures a serene winter scene at the Nagata Shrine in Kobe. A striking crimson bridge dusted with fresh snow dominates the foreground, its bold lines leading the eye toward a solitary figure draped in a deep blue kimono holding a bright green umbrella. Snowflakes gently cascade from a serene, almost twilight-hued sky, covering the landscape in a soft white blanket. The delicate texture of the snow on the trees and roofs, combined with the precise carving and layering of colors, creates a peaceful yet vivid atmosphere, evoking a quiet moment of contemplation amidst winter’s hush.

The artist masterfully balances composition with contrasting colors—the bright red of the bridge and the fresh green umbrella pop against the muted tones of the snowy environment. The delicate gradations of blues and grays in the sky and shadows enrich the depth without overwhelming the scene’s tranquility. This print not only showcases exquisite technical skill typical of the shin-hanga movement but also invites viewers to linger in the calm beauty of a fleeting moment, feeling the crisp chill and soft silence of snowfall in a sacred Japanese setting.

Yakumo Bridge at the Nagata Shrine, Kobe

Hasui Kawase

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Date unknown

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843 × 1238 px

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