Snow at the Sacred Bridge in Nikkō 1930

Hasui Kawase made this woodblock print, Snow at the Sacred Bridge in Nikko, with ink and color on paper. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process with a real feeling of discovery. I love the way the red bridge pops against the cool blues and grays of the winter scene. The falling snow is rendered with such delicate precision, like tiny white kisses on the landscape. Look closely at the water, and you’ll see how the artist captured its flow with subtle gradations of color. Each mark feels intentional, carefully placed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Thinking about the formal elements of this piece, it reminds me a little of Hiroshige, another master of Japanese woodblock printing, but Hasui has his own distinct voice. He invites us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the quiet beauty of a snowy day.