Sanno Shrine in the Early Summer Rain, from the series "Twelve Scenes of Tokyo" 

Kawase Hasui studied with Ito Shinsui and was greatly impressed by his colleague’s landscape prints. After a meeting with Watanabe Shozaburo, a publisher who sought to revive the Edo Period (1603–1868) tradition of ukiyo-e and its system of collaboration between dedicated artists, engravers, and printers, Hasui chose the path of ukiyo-e artist. It was this series, dubbed Twelve Scenes of Tokyo and made from the summer of 1919 to the spring of 1921, that established his reputation. Born and raised in Tokyo and with an easygoing sensibility, Hasui weaved his nostalgia for Edo Period life and culture into twelve refreshing views that weren’t confined to the city’s established landmarks.

"Sanno" is the nickname of Hie Shrine in Tokyo’s Nagatacho district. This image manages to capture the harmony between the red shrine gate and the green cherry tree leaves, a rain shower in May characteristic of early summer, and the sound of child’s lullaby. The artist clearly revels in experiencing Tokyo with all five senses.

(SAKAMOTO Kyoko)