n an era of rapid industrial and urban development in Japan, Kawase Hasui was famous for prints of serene landscapes and waterways. His influential images emphasized the beauty of Japan's rural countryside, the illumination of land and water by sun- and moonlight, and the changing seasons. Often on the road in search of inspiration, Hasui brought his watercolor sketches to the studio of publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, where they were transformed into woodblock prints.

One of the greatest artists of the shin hanga movement, Hasui produced over 600 woodblock prints during his 40-year career.