The Pond at the Benten Shrine in Shiba by Zeger Knops

This enchanting artwork by Kawase Hasui, created in 1929, depicts a serene scene at the pond of the Benten Shrine in Shiba, Japan. Two women in traditional kimono's walk across a wooden bridge that leads in the middle through a sea of beautiful lotus leaves and pink lotus flowers. The lush green leaves and delicate pink flowers convey a sense of vibrancy and natural beauty, while the women provide an elegant contrast to their sophisticated clothing. The landscape is filled with tranquillity and symbolises the calmness of Japanese nature.

Kawase Hasui, a master at capturing the atmosphere of the Japanese landscape, brings the essence of a summer day to life with this woodcut, with the large lotus leaves stretching out like a green carpet. The delicate details of the wooden bridge and the subtle colour variations of the surroundings show Hasui's exceptional skill in the traditional woodcut technique, which he masterfully modernised.

Japanese woodcut in the style of Kawase Hasui, strongly influenced by the traditional Ukiyo-e style, but with a modern nuance characteristic of the early 20th-century Japanese landscape. The work exudes peace and serenity and is ideal for those who want to bring the natural beauty of Japan into their homes.