Snow heaped on a vermilion temple gate at nightfall

The great two-storey gate of Zōjō-ji stands at the left in deep vermilion, its bracketed timber structure carrying broad white roofs of snow. Snow falls in fine flecks against a dark blue-grey sky. Three figures stand with umbrellas on the swept white forecourt — a green coat under a purple one, a blue kimono, and a brown coat. A snow-covered tree and a low brick wall close the right side, with a single figure walking beyond.

Kawase Hasui (1883–1957) was the defining landscape artist of shin-hanga, the movement that carried Japanese woodblock printing into the twentieth century. From 1918 he worked with the publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō, travelling almost continuously through Japan and turning roadside sketches into prints of unusual atmospheric precision. Snow, rain and failing light were his real subjects, as much as any temple or harbour. In 1956 Japan recognised his woodblock technique as an Intangible Cultural Property. His prints are held by the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Printed as a museum-grade giclée on Hahnemühle fine art paper using 12-ink archival pigment printing. Available handframed in FSC-certified wood with optional float glass, or unframed. Ships worldwide with free delivery to 30+ countries.