A serene woodblock print by Hasui Kawase depicting the torii gate at Miyajima under a starlit sky, featuring deep indigo gradients and atmospheric light.

Hasui Kawase produced this woodblock print in 1928, capturing the iconic Itsukushima Shrine torii gate at Miyajima under a night sky. As a central figure in the Shin-hanga movement, Kawase sought to revitalise traditional Japanese printmaking by incorporating Western techniques of light, shadow, and atmospheric perspective. This work demonstrates his mastery of the bokashi technique, where ink is applied to the woodblock in varying densities to create smooth colour gradients. The deep indigo tones of the water and sky provide a quiet backdrop for the illuminated stone lantern in the foreground. The composition relies on a vertical orientation, drawing the eye from the textured foreground lantern across the calm water to the distant, silhouetted mountains. The torii gate, partially submerged, acts as a bridge between the physical world and the ethereal quality of the night. Kawase travelled extensively throughout Japan to create his sketches, often focusing on the interplay between natural elements and human-made structures. His attention to the specific quality of light at different times of day remains a hallmark of his practice. By avoiding the flat colour planes typical of earlier Ukiyo-e, he achieved a sense of depth and realism that appealed to both domestic and international audiences during the early twentieth century. This print reflects the technical precision of the Watanabe Print Shop, which collaborated with Kawase to ensure the highest quality of carving and printing. The subtle variations in the blue hues suggest the stillness of the evening, while the small, glowing windows of the lantern provide a singular point of warmth. The work remains a clear example of the Shin-hanga aesthetic, balancing traditional subject matter with a modern sensibility regarding mood and atmosphere.