Masao Ido - 古都より白川 (A View of Historic Shirakawa River)

A fabulous print by Masao Ido: 古都より白川 (A View of Historic Shirakawa River). A peaceful riverside view of the Shirakawa (白川, “White River”) as it flows through Kyoto’s Gion district, lined with traditional wooden machiya townhouses and delicate willow trees. Ido captures the atmosphere of early summer, with soft light reflecting off the canal and bamboo blinds lowered against the heat. A narrow stone bridge and flowing greenery complete this elegant composition, balancing built tradition with seasonal beauty. 🍃🏘️

• Year & Edition: 1995 · Ed. 44/150 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 42.5 cm × W: 60.75 cm · Image H: 33.0 cm × W: 52.0 cm.
  
• Condition: Lovely condition. No image marks. Light paper handling.
  
• Notes: The Shirakawa River originates in the eastern foothills of Mt. Hiei and winds through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. This scene captures the quiet rhythm of summer in one of the city’s most photographed and picturesque quarters.

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]