川瀬巴水　雪の厳島　新版画　昭和期

This print attests to Kawase Hasui’s interest in famous scenic spots that reverberate with nostalgia for earlier historical moments. The print presents the red gate, or torii, at Itsukushima, submerged in the water at high tide, as well as the traditional stone lanterns against the mountain range beyond the Inland Sea of Japan. This shrine was built to commemorate the Taira family (the Heike), which was annihilated in 1185 by the Minamoto family (the Genji) in the battle at Dan no ura, about seventy-five miles west of this location. The snow-laden pine branches frame the gate and lanterns like a theater curtain, creating a stage for viewers to remember this historical tale on starlit winter nights.