Masao Ido - 圓蔵寺 (Enzoji Temple)

A fabulous print by Masao Ido capturing the snow-draped beauty of Enzoji Temple (圓蔵寺) in Fukushima Prefecture. Perched above the Tadami River in Yanaizu Town, the temple is known for its elevated platform and iconic red railings, which glow brightly against a wintry landscape of white-laced pine and plum trees. Snow & frost blankets the scene; a quiet, majestic view of one of Japan’s most scenic rural temples, with beautifully flecked falling snow. ❄️🏔️🛕

• Year & Edition: 1998. Ed.58/200 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Paper H: 38.50 cm × W: 51.75 cm. Image H: 30.50 cm × W: 44.50 cm.
  
• Condition: Beautiful. Image and paper both unblemished, clean, and intact.
  
• Notes: Enzoji (圓蔵寺) was founded in the 9th century and is famed as the birthplace of the Akabeko folk toy. This peaceful winter scene shows Ido’s gift for rendering atmospheric light and regional heritage with quiet elegance.

About the Artist

Masao Ido (1945-2016) was a printmaker known for his Kyoto scenes, brimming with rich greenery, seasonal shades of signature “Ido Green”, and refined goma-zuri textures. Trained in traditional textile dyeing, he turned to woodblock printmaking in the early 1970s, capturing historic townscapes and seasonal views - from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go and the Nakasendō way. Printed with up to 23 colour blocks on handmade Echizen washi, his works are held in major collections including the MFA Boston, U.S. Library of Congress, and the Tokyo & Kyoto National Museums. [ ← View All Works by Masao Ido]