Kuri Ferry at Funabori, Hasui Kawase, Japanese Art Print

Kuri Ferry at Funabori by Hasui Kawase

Kuri Ferry at Funabori by Hasui Kawase is a beautifully observed 1932 riverside scene depicting a traditional ferry crossing in eastern Tokyo. A small ferry moves across brilliant blue water beneath a large green tree, while timber houses and raised riverbank structures line the opposite shore.

The work captures an everyday form of transport at a time when Tokyo was rapidly modernising. Instead of monumental bridges or busy streets, Hasui focuses on the modest ferry, surrounding homes and riverside vegetation, preserving the quieter character of a working waterside neighbourhood.

A Traditional Tokyo Ferry Crossing

The ferry forms a small but important focal point in the lower part of the composition. Its scale is modest compared with the great tree rising above the houses, reinforcing Hasui's frequent tendency to place human activity within a much larger natural setting.

Across the water, wooden buildings create a dense horizontal band of architecture. Their brown and grey tones contrast with the vivid green foliage and clear blue river, giving the print a warmer and more daylight-filled character than many of Hasui's famous nocturnal landscapes.

Funabori and a Changing Tokyo

Funabori lies in eastern Tokyo and historically developed around waterways and river transport. Traditional ferry crossings remained part of everyday life even as bridges and modern infrastructure increasingly transformed the city.

Hasui's image therefore records more than an attractive landscape. It preserves a type of river crossing and waterside community that was gradually disappearing from metropolitan Tokyo.

About Hasui Kawase

Hasui Kawase (1883–1957) was one of the leading landscape artists of the shin-hanga movement. Although his best-known images often feature snow, rain and moonlight, he was equally accomplished at depicting clear daylight and everyday life.

In Kuri Ferry at Funabori, detailed architecture and figures remain subordinate to the broader composition of water, tree and sky. The scene feels observed rather than staged, giving it a particularly intimate quality.

Japanese Riverside Wall Art

The combination of blue water, fresh green foliage and traditional timber buildings makes this Hasui Kawase print especially versatile for contemporary interiors. It suits Japandi, Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired rooms and provides a brighter alternative to Hasui's darker evening and winter landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct title of this Hasui Kawase artwork?

The work is generally catalogued as Kuri Ferry, Funabori or Kuri Ferry at Funabori. It dates from 1932.

What does Kuri Ferry at Funabori depict?

The artwork depicts a traditional ferry crossing on a Tokyo waterway, with a ferry boat, riverside timber houses and a large leafy tree.

When was the artwork created?

The original design dates from May 1932 and was published by Watanabe Shōzaburō.

Why is this scene historically interesting?

It records a traditional riverside transport system at a time when bridges and modern infrastructure were increasingly replacing older ferry crossings around Tokyo.

What interiors suit this Hasui Kawase print?

Its bright blue, green and natural timber palette works particularly well in Japandi, Scandinavian, contemporary and Japanese-inspired interiors.

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