Chris Uhlenbeck – författare

Discover the timeless beauty of Kawase Hasui, the master of shin hanga, in this stunning new book, featuring his most breathtaking woodblock prints and expert insights into his legacy. Kawase Hasui (1883–1957) was one of the most important and prolific Japanese printmakers of the 20th century. He was one of the main creators of the shin hanga (‘new prints’) movement, whose artists depicted traditional subjects in a style influenced by Western painting. Shin hanga prints are harmoniously balanced designs, printed on the highest quality paper using the finest pigments, and in small editions. They are the fruit of a traditional yet successful collaboration between artist, publisher, block cutter and printer and have become increasingly popular among collectors of Japanese prints in the last decade. Hasui began his artistic career studying Japanese painting. However, soon after seeing Shinsui’s Eight Views of Lake Biwa series, Hasui turned to woodblock printing in 1919. Shozaburo Watanabe was the first to recognize his artistic genius, and Hasui Kawase soon became the most popular artist working for this prestigious publisher. He produced nearly a thousand woodcuts in a career that spanned almost forty years. Towards the end of his life, the Japanese government recognized him as a ‘Living National Treasure’ for his contribution to Japanese culture.

In the winter of 1886–87, during his stay in Paris, Vincent van Gogh bought 660 Japanese prints at the art gallery of Siegfried Bing. His aim was to start dealing in them, but the exhibition he organized in the café-restaurant Le Tambourin was a total failure. However, he was now able to study his collection at ease and in close-up, and he gradually became captivated by their colourful, cheerful and unusual imagery. When he left for Arles, he took some prints with him, but the core remained in Paris with his brother Theo. Although some prints were later given away, the collection did not disperse. This book reveals new analyses of the collection, now held in the Van Gogh Museum, given as a long-term loan from the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. The authors delve into its history, and the role the prints played in Van Gogh’s creative output. The book is illustrated with over 100 striking highlights from the collection.

Twentieth-century Japanese printmaking—especially the refined art of shin hanga (new prints)—has long remained underappreciated. This expanded and revised edition of Shin Hanga. New Prints of Japan (1900–1960) sets out to change that.Twentieth-century Japanese printmaking—especially the refined art of shin hanga (new prints)—has long remained underappreciated. This expanded and revised edition of Shin Hanga. New Prints of Japan (1900–1960) sets out to change that.Building on the success of the original 2022 publication, this richly illustrated volume offers an even deeper exploration of the shin hanga movement, with an expanded section on its most celebrated artist, Kawase Hasui. New entries, additional prints, and enhanced scholarship highlight Hasui’s poetic vision and his central role in shaping the aesthetics of modern Japanese woodblock prints.Shin hanga works are the result of a unique collaborative process between artist, publisher, block cutter, and printer—reviving traditional techniques to create modern expressions of beauty. Their subtle visual language, exquisite craftsmanship, and emotional resonance distinguish them from both their ukiyo-e predecessors and the emerging avant-garde.This updated edition features an expanded selection of prints, drawn from two major private collections, the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, and rare works from the Watanabe family archive—the publisher who launched the shin hanga movement and helped define its legacy.