Ido Masao(井堂雅夫) "Autumn at Koetsuji Temple"(光悦寺の秋) Woodblock Print, Edition: 165 / 850 In this work, "Autumn at Koetsuji Temple," woodblock artist Ido Masao depicts the rich colors and decorative beauty of autumn in Japan, set at the famous Koetsuji Temple in Takagamine, Kyoto. Unlike the Zen temples that focus on silence and space, this work depicts the most splendid moment of autumn in Japan, unfolding across the entire canvas. Kōetsuji Temple is known as the temple associated with Hon'ami Kōetsu, and is particularly renowned as a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage in Kyoto. In particular, the combination of the bamboo fence (Koetsu-gaki) surrounding the temple grounds and the autumn leaves has captivated many visitors as a symbolic example of the beauty of Japanese gardens. Ido Masao sees this place not simply as a scenic spot, but as a space embodied in the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Fiery autumn leaves spread from the center of the screen to the foreground. Red, orange, and yellow overlap in multiple layers, as if light itself had become leaves and dwelled in the branches. The bamboo fence placed behind them forms a regular geometric pattern, adding rhythm and depth to the image. The composition, in which the organic forms of nature and the order of man-made objects coexist, could be said to embody the philosophy of Japanese gardens. The greatest appeal of this work lies in the layering of colors that can only be achieved with woodblock prints. Each leaf is not a single color; multiple color blocks are layered together, creating depth and movement. The greenery in the background, the texture of the ground, and the slight color unevenness of the bamboo fence are all the result of carefully calculated printing. The closer you look, the more you can sense the "layers of time" woven together by the paper, blocks, and pigments. Ido Masao continued to paint Kyoto not just as a tourist destination, but as a living space whose appearance changes with the seasons. Among these, this work, Autumn at Koetsuji Temple, particularly encapsulates the exhilaration, maturity, and transience of the autumn season. Unlike the tranquility of spring and summer, autumn shines for a moment before quietly fading away. This work truly captures that ephemeral beauty. This work is number 165 of a limited edition of 850. The artist's handwritten signature, seal, and edition number can be seen in the margins, making it a highly reliable piece for collections. ◆About Masao Ido(井堂雅夫)◆ Masao Ido is a leading contemporary woodblock artist based in Kyoto, and produced numerous woodblock prints from the Showa and Heisei eras. During Japan's postwar reconstruction period, he established his own unique style that combined a modern sense of composition and beautiful colors while inheriting the techniques of traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing. After spending his childhood in Hiroshima, he moved to Kyoto and studied under woodblock artist Inao Uchida. Since the 1970s, he has established his own studio, the Kyoto Hanga-in, and has received high acclaim at solo exhibitions and exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. Awards and exhibitions (partial excerpt) 1976: First selected for the Nitten Exhibition 1980: Received the Nitten Special Award (unusual for a woodblock artist) 1987: Exhibited at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Exhibition 1990 and after: Solo exhibitions in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, etc. Received the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award (posthumous award) His works are still held in many museums and public facilities in Japan, as well as in the collections of Japanese art lovers overseas. [Size] Overall size 36×59.5cm Picture 23.5×46cm [Condition] Excellent condition Please note that this is a very good old piece and may have deteriorated over time. Please check the photos for details. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. ※Recently, there has been an increase in products being returned to Japan without paying customs duties and consumption tax upon receipt. It is the buyer's responsibility to pay customs duties and consumption tax, so please be sure to pay them. Tax rates vary by country, so please check in advance. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.