Miyajima in de mist 1947

Editor: This is Hasui Kawase’s “Miyajima in de mist,” a watercolor from 1947, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. There's a dreamlike quality to it, with the soft reflections and misty atmosphere creating a very serene feeling. What draws your eye in this piece? Curator: The image speaks volumes about the period it was created in. Japan in 1947 was a nation rebuilding after immense trauma. Notice how Kawase, firmly within the *ukiyo-e* tradition, chooses Miyajima. What does that location symbolize, especially within this specific historical context? Editor: I suppose Miyajima, with its iconic floating torii gate, represents a kind of enduring spiritual strength. A beacon of hope, maybe? Curator: Precisely. It’s a conscious act. Kawase wasn't merely painting a landscape; he was subtly engaging with a need for cultural reassurance, a connection to a rich past that had been severely shaken. The use of watercolor further softens the scene. Do you think that technique affects our perception? Editor: Absolutely. Compared to bolder prints, the watercolour gives it this almost ephemeral feeling, like the past is still present, but fading. Curator: Indeed. It acknowledges the losses while reinforcing continuity, suggesting resilience. These landscapes were vital in reshaping and revitalizing a national identity after a destructive war, in which he managed to provide emotional support during periods of turbulence. Editor: It’s fascinating how a landscape can be so deeply embedded in the socio-political reality of its time. Curator: Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Investigating the art allows insight to the society and culture that impacted the artwork’s creation. I am excited to continue learning more. Editor: Absolutely, this piece gave me so much to reflect on as well!