River Bank, Komagata by Hasui Kawase 1935

River Bank, Komagata by Hasui Kawase is a breathtaking example of early 20th-century Japanese woodblock printing, created in 1935 and also known by its original Japanese title, Komagata Kashi (駒形河岸). Hasui Kawase, celebrated as one of the leading figures of the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, masterfully captured tranquil landscapes across Japan, infusing them with melancholy, light, and beauty. This piece delicately transports viewers to the quiet banks of the Sumida River, where subtle human presence interacts in gentle harmony with verdant nature.

This stunning artwork is offered as a fine art print, meticulously reproduced on acid-free archival paper or luxurious artist’s cotton canvas, expertly crafted by The Unique Maps Co. in a range of sizes. Tailor your order with elegant framing options and the possibility for personal customization, ensuring the print is a perfect match for your space and aesthetic preferences.

Hasui Kawase (1883–1957) is esteemed as one of Japan’s most important landscape printmakers, revered for his poetic approach to modern Japanese scenery. His woodblock prints are celebrated not just for their technical virtuosity, but their ability to evoke a poignant sense of atmosphere—often a delicate balance of serenity and solitude. Kawase’s works continue to inspire collectors worldwide for their lyrical storytelling and exceptional artistry.

River Bank, Komagata is notable for its evocative portrayal of riverside tranquility amid Tokyo’s ever-changing cityscape. The piece gracefully invites viewers into a moment of calm near Asakusa, highlighting Kawase’s unmatched talent for capturing fleeting seasonal beauty: the flowing water, moored boats, sloping green embankments, and traditional houses shaded by mature trees. Created during the vibrant shin-hanga period, the print blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with subtle Western influences in light and perspective.

The composition’s lush, dominant greens and rich earthy browns are harmoniously balanced by the cool blues of sky and river, displaying Hasui’s mastery of color gradations achieved through the woodblock technique. Every texture—from the foliage to the gentle ripples upon the Sumida—emerges with softness and detail, making this a captivating piece for both connoisseurs and those wishing to bring a sense of calm and sophistication into their living spaces.

A beautiful addition to any home, River Bank, Komagata makes an exquisite gift for art lovers, graduates, newlyweds, or anyone who cherishes Japanese culture and serene natural vistas. Its timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship ensure it will be treasured for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, or special celebrations year after year.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.