Zöjöji Temple, Shiba

Catalog note / 解説

Hasui's works evoke the power of tradition. One of Hasui's best-known works, Shiba Zöjöji Temple, Tokyo recalls motifs from Hiroshige's two masterpieces, Night Snow at Kambara and Kinryüzan Temple at Asakusa. The snow-covered red buildings refer to Kinryüzan, and the figure with umbrella is borrowed from Kambara. This Hasui print was rather controversial amongst contemporary critics and artists. They wrote that his works were “romantic,” “picturesque,” and even “shallow.” In other words, many of Hasui's works, including “Zöjöji”, were thought to be too commercial and mere copies of famous Edo period ukiyo-e. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, Japan was heavily influenced b…