Ido Masao(井堂雅夫) Heisei Ukiyo-e – Kyoto One Hundred Views, Vol. 4 Rakuchu Ten Views: Nishi Honganji Temple (西本願寺) Woodblock print / Publisher: Kaneido In the historic city of Kyoto, where centuries of culture and spirituality converge, stands Nishi Honganji Temple, one of the most important and influential Buddhist temples in Japan. Founded in the 16th century and later rebuilt in grand form, the temple is today recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” Nishi Honganji serves as the head temple of the Honganji branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, a tradition followed by millions of people in Japan. Unlike many temples that emphasize monastic life, this school of Buddhism focuses on the spiritual connection of ordinary people, making the temple not only a place of worship, but also a center of community life. In this striking woodblock print, Masao Ido captures the entrance to the temple grounds, where everyday life and sacred space intersect. The richly ornamented temple gate rises prominently in the composition, its elegant curves and golden details reflecting the refined aesthetics of traditional Japanese architecture. In the foreground, a large bronze lantern anchors the scene, symbolizing both illumination and guidance—an important motif in Buddhist thought. Beyond the gate, visitors move quietly through the temple grounds, their presence adding a sense of living continuity to the centuries-old structure. What makes this composition particularly compelling is the subtle balance between monumentality and intimacy. The architecture conveys power and permanence, while the human figures remind us that this is a place still actively used and experienced. Masao Ido (1945–2016) dedicated his life to portraying Kyoto through the traditional medium of Japanese woodblock printing. His series “Heisei Ukiyo-e: One Hundred Views of Kyoto” was inspired by the great landscape masters of the Edo period, such as Utagawa Hiroshige, yet his vision is distinctly modern—capturing Kyoto not as a relic of the past, but as a living city where history continues to unfold. The careful gradation of the sky, the contrast between shadow and gold ornamentation, and the precise rendering of architectural details demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional woodblock printing techniques. Through this composition, Ido invites the viewer to step into Kyoto—passing through the temple gate into a space where the spiritual and the everyday coexist seamlessly. For collectors of Japanese woodblock prints, Masao Ido’s Kyoto series is particularly valued for its ability to capture both the visual beauty and the deeper cultural significance of Japan’s ancient capital. [Size of the artwork] Overall size 34.7×42.3cm Picture 24.5×34.9cm [Condition] Excellent condition. Please check the photos before bidding. 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.