Ido Masao(井堂雅夫) "Spring at Kiyomizu-dera Temple"(清水寺の春) woodblock print, edition: 165 / 850 This work, "Spring at Kiyomizu-dera Temple," is a painting by woodblock artist Ido Masao depicting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples, in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are at their most vibrant. The long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the ephemeral yet powerful blooming of cherry blossoms intertwine to evoke the hope, rebirth, and fleeting brilliance of spring in Japan. Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple has watched over people's prayers and daily lives for over a millennium. This work depicts a serene, bird's-eye view of Kyoto, where the city, nature, and faith coexist, with the three-story pagoda and temple buildings stretching out into the distance from the stage. This composition is more than just a depiction of a tourist attraction; it evokes a sense of "time when people and the seasons coexist." The cherry blossoms, which spread from the foreground to the middle ground, are printed in a variety of colors from pale white to a very pale pink, and form a beautiful group without being overly assertive individually. The composition, in which the petals dance in the wind, leading the eye toward the sky and then the mountain ridges, gives the impression that the spring air itself is flowing across the screen. This work emphasizes transparency over vividness. The gradations of fresh greenery, the pale hazy sky, and the soft colors of the architecture overlap, carefully expressing the slightly damp light unique to spring. This is an expression that can only be achieved through the layering of prints unique to woodblock prints, and the closer you look, the more it seems as if the colors and paper are breathing. 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 highly collectible both as part of a series and as a standalone piece. ◆About Ido Masao(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.