Matsushima in the Moonlight, Hasui Kawase, Japanese Art Print

Matsushima in the Moonlight by Hasui Kawase

Matsushima in the Moonlight is an exquisite early landscape by Hasui Kawase dating from 1919. A pine-covered island sits quietly on calm water beneath a pale moon, whose reflected light stretches towards the viewer in a shimmering vertical path. With its restrained blue-green palette and near-total stillness, the print anticipates many of the qualities that would define Hasui's mature shin-hanga landscapes.

The scene is extraordinarily economical. A low island silhouette occupies the centre of the composition, its dark pine trees standing against a softly graduated night sky. Beyond it, further islands fade into the distance, while the broad expanse of water creates a sense of isolation and calm.

Moonlight over Matsushima

Matsushima is famous for its numerous pine-clad islands scattered through the bay and has inspired Japanese artists and poets for centuries. Hasui approaches the celebrated landscape with remarkable restraint.

Rather than trying to describe the whole bay, he focuses on a single island and the changing effect of moonlight upon the water. The moon itself is softly veiled, while its reflection creates the brightest element in the image.

An Early Hasui Kawase Landscape

Created in 1919, Matsushima in the Moonlight belongs to the formative period of Hasui's career as a print designer. Even at this early stage, many of his characteristic interests are already present: quiet water, small-scale landscape forms, evening light and the emotional effect of weather and atmosphere.

His collaboration with publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō became central to shin-hanga, producing landscapes that combined traditional Japanese woodblock craftsmanship with increasingly subtle treatment of light, colour and depth.

About Hasui Kawase

Hasui Kawase (1883–1957) became one of the most celebrated Japanese landscape artists of the twentieth century. His prints frequently depict locations at transitional times of day, when moonlight, rain, mist or snow transforms familiar scenery into something quieter and more introspective.

Moonlit Japanese Wall Art

The muted blue-green tones and horizontal composition make Matsushima in the Moonlight particularly suited to calm interiors. It works beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms and studies and complements Japandi, Scandinavian, coastal and Japanese-inspired decorating schemes.

Displayed individually, the image offers a serene focal point; paired with other Hasui seascapes or moonlit prints, it can form the basis of a sophisticated Japanese landscape gallery wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Matsushima in the Moonlight created?

The design dates from 1919, making it one of Hasui Kawase's early woodblock landscapes.

What does Matsushima in the Moonlight depict?

The composition shows a pine-covered island in Matsushima Bay beneath a pale moon, with moonlight reflected across the calm water.

Where is Matsushima?

Matsushima is a celebrated coastal landscape in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, known for its many small pine-covered islands.

Why is this print important in Hasui's career?

It is an early example of the atmospheric night landscapes that later became strongly associated with Hasui's shin-hanga work.

What interiors suit this moonlight print?

Its tranquil blue-green palette works particularly well in Japandi, Scandinavian, minimalist, coastal and Japanese-inspired interiors.

All orders for unframed fine art prints and original paintings are dispatched within 2 working days of receipt of payment.

Orders for custom framed prints are dispatched within 4 working days.

All orders are fully tracked from dispatch to delivery at your home or business.

All print and original painting orders are fully insured against loss or damage in transit. We refund or replace any damaged or lost orders.

Buy with confidence - read what our satisfied customers have to say - Reviews

Fine art papers are printed without any additional white border Please let us know at the time of ordering if you would like a small additional white border.

Rolled canvas options have an additional white border of approximately 2.5 inches (7cm) on all 4 sides to aid stretching.

Ready to hang canvas panels are stretched on 1.5 inch deep solid pine frames from sustainable forestry sources. The image is mirrored on all 4 sides to give an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Why not have us gift wrap your order and attach a personalised message to the recipient. Available for all orders. Each order is hand wrapped in high quality gift wrap with meatllic ribbon and bow. Your personalised message is printed on a card which is included with your order.

Have your hand wrapped gift delivered directly to the recipient.

Full tracking and insurance included with every order.

Please note design may vary depending upon availability

Just purchase the gift wrap option HERE