NEW YORK, NY.- Scholten Japanese Art opened their Asia Week Autumn 2024 exhibition, TREASURED VIEWS: The Neil Stipanich Collection of Kawase Hasui Woodblock Prints.

The exhibition includes a group of 20 choice landscape prints by the 20th century shin-hanga master, Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) selected from the collection of Neil Charles Stipanich (1948-2019). A deeply personal collection, this exhibition serves as both a tribute to the artist's work and a celebration of the Stipanich family's love of Japanese woodblock prints.

The collection was assembled by Neil and Nancy Stipanich, who as a young married couple in the mid-1970s lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, and traveled extensively in Asia during their time abroad. One of the most pivotal moments of their travels came in 1976 when they spent three unforgettable weeks in Japan, a country whose rich artistic traditions left an indelible mark on them. Among the highlights of this trip was their ascent of Mount Fuji, a challenging climb rewarded by witnessing the awe-inspiring sunrise from Japan's highest peak. This experience deepened their appreciation for Japan's natural beauty and the cultural significance of its landscape, sparking a lifelong passion for Japanese art. Their focus on woodblock prints in particular was inspired by a later tour of France which included a visit to the home and gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) in Giverny where the artist’s extensive collection of ukiyo-e prints remains on display as they were in Monet’s lifetime.

Initially collecting landscapes by 19th century artists such as Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) and Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), the work of Kawase Hasui particularly resonated with Neil Stipanich. Throughout their lives together, Neil and Nancy continued to acquire Hasui’s prints, drawn to the artist’s masterful portrayal of Japan’s natural beauty, its rural scenes, and his use of light and shadow. After Neil’s sudden passing in 2019, the Stipanich family chose to release this carefully assembled collection into the world, offering new collectors the opportunity to experience and cherish these iconic woodblock prints.

The Art of Kawase Hasui: Shin-Hanga Master

Hasui is regarded as one of the foremost artists of the shin-hanga (‘new prints’) movement, which revitalized the traditional Japanese woodblock print, or ukiyo-e, in the early 20th century. Shin-hanga emerged as a response to the modernization of Japan and the desire to preserve the artistic techniques of the past while incorporating Western elements such as perspective, naturalism, and light.

Born in 1883 in Tokyo, Hasui trained in both traditional Japanese painting and Western-style painting. His career as a woodblock print artist flourished with the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo (1885-1962), who was instrumental in initiating and promoting the shin-hanga movement. Hasui became known for his tranquil and atmospheric landscapes, often depicting rural Japan, its seasonal changes, and its quiet, everyday moments. He captured the essence of Japan’s countryside, often focusing on lesser-known locations rather than iconic sites.

Hasui's prints are characterized by his masterful use of light and weather, creating evocative scenes of early morning mist, snowfall, rain-soaked streets, and the golden glow of dusk. His ability to evoke a deep emotional response through these subtle details elevated his work to iconic status. The prints in the Stipanich collection represent a diverse range of landscapes, making this exhibition an exceptional opportunity to witness the depth and range of Hasui’s artistry.

Highlights of the Exhibition

The Treasured Views exhibition includes 20 carefully selected landscape prints, each offering a glimpse into Hasui’s artistic vision. Among the highlights are scenes of peaceful villages, snow-covered temples, and tranquil rivers, all rendered in Hasui’s signature style. His ability to infuse everyday scenes with a sense of timeless beauty is evident in each piece, making the exhibition a visual journey through Japan’s landscapes, both familiar and remote.

For example, one of the standout prints in the collection is "Snow at Zojoji Temple", a winter scene where the artist captures the serene quiet of snowfall on the grounds of a historic Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The snow, delicately falling over the temple roofs, creates an ethereal atmosphere, making the viewer feel as if they are standing in the temple grounds, enveloped in the peacefulness of a quiet winter day.

For collectors and art enthusiasts alike, the exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to see Hasui’s works up close and appreciate the intimate connection between the collector and the artist.

Scholten Japanese Art: A Destination for Japanese Masterpieces

Located at 145 West 58th Street, Suite 6D, between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City, Scholten Japanese Art is a gallery known for its dedication to the finest examples of Japanese art. Specializing in woodblock prints and paintings, Scholten offers collectors and enthusiasts a space to engage with works of significant cultural and historical importance.

For the duration of the exhibition, September 12 – 20, the gallery will be open with appointments appreciated, 11am – 5 pm; otherwise by appointment through October 4th.