Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) emerged as one of Japan's most celebrated landscape artists during the shin-hanga movement of the early 20th century. Born in Tokyo to a merchant family, Hasui initially pursued business at his parents' insistence before finally dedicating himself to art at age 25. He studied under traditional Japanese painting masters before joining publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, who promoted his work internationally.Hasui's artistic vision combined traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with Western perspective and lighting effects. His landscapes capture the quiet beauty of Japan's countryside, seaside villages, and historic temples with remarkable atmospheric sensitivity. He particularly excelled at depicting snow scenes, rain, and the subtle transitions of light at dawn and dusk. The tranquil, contemplative quality of his work resonated with audiences seeking respite from rapid modernization. Hasui rarely included human figures in his work. When people do appear, they are typically small, solitary figures rather than serving as the subject themselves—reflecting his deep reverence for the natural world. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 destroyed virtually all of Hasui's early printing blocks and many original drawings at the Watanabe publishing house. This devastating loss makes his pre-earthquake prints exceedingly rare and valuable today. In 1956, shortly before his death, the Japanese government designated him a Living National Treasure—the highest honor for a Japanese artist. Hasui's legacy endures through his evocative landscapes that capture a Japan that was rapidly disappearing amid industrialization and war. His distinctive style influenced generations of printmakers, and his works remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.