Hasui Kawase

Hasui Kawase (1883 – 1957) was a prolific Japanese artist, renowned for his prominent role in the Shin-Hanga ("New Prints") movement in the early 20th century. Characterised by its fusion of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e aesthetics and Western art techniques, Kawase's visual style beautifully encapsulated Japan's changing landscapes and culture, masterfully using colour and light to convey various moods and seasons. In 1956, just a year before his death, the Japanese government recognised his immense contribution to the art world by designating his work as an Important Cultural Property, making him the only Shin-Hanga artist to receive this honour during his lifetime.