About the Artist
Kawase Hasui was a leading figure in the Shin hanga movement, which revitalized Japanese woodblock printing for twentieth-century audiences. Working closely with master carvers and printers, Hasui brought traditional ukiyo-e methods into a modern era marked by new technologies and shifting landscapes.
His work is celebrated for its tranquil mood and attentive depiction of nature, particularly scenes of water, changing weather, and twilight. Collectors interested in Japanese landscape art often explore the Kawase Hasui collection, where his serene views are beautifully rendered as fine art prints.
The Artwork
Created in 1935, this harbour sunset print reflects a Japan navigating between tradition and modernity. Harbours served as gateways for travel and commerce, but also as spaces for reflection at the close of day, where the interplay of light and water marked the passage of time.
This artwork belongs to a tradition of prints intended for quiet contemplation, transforming an everyday shoreline into a scene of poetic memory. As part of the vintage Japanese poster tradition, it evokes the subtle allure of travel and the enduring appeal of Japanese wall art in interior spaces.
Style & Characteristics
The composition presents a broad harbour at sunset, with a strong horizontal line and simplified forms that convey the scene with clarity. Deep blues and blacks define the water and boat silhouettes, while a vivid red-orange glow in the sky draws the eye and sets the emotional tone.
Soft gradations of color reveal the woodblock technique, lending the print a gentle, atmospheric quality rather than sharp contrast. The overall effect is meditative and calm, making it a striking choice for those seeking a blue and red Japanese sunset art print with a lyrical, understated presence.
In Interior Design
This art print is well suited to living rooms, bedrooms, or studies where a sense of calm and visual depth is desired. It complements minimalist, Japandi, or coastal interiors, especially when paired with light woods, black frames, and natural textiles.
To harmonize with the artwork, consider indigo ceramics or a navy rug to echo the dusk blues, and small red accents to reflect the sunset glow. It also works beautifully in a gallery wall alongside sea and ocean prints and other landscape pieces, creating a cohesive, travel-inspired interior.
