Masao Ido - 四国 石手寺 (Ishiteji Temple)

A fabulous print by Masao Ido capturing the sacred approach to Ishiteji Temple (石手寺) - the 51st stop on the legendary Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国八十八箇所巡礼). Beneath towering trees, a lone pilgrim in sedge hat and robes ascends the stone path approaching the imposing 仁王門 (Niōmon Gate) guarded by fierce Kongōrikishi (金剛力士) deities. Rich textures, deep shadows, and subtle tones of Ido Green evoke the timeless stillness of this revered temple in Matsuyama. A rare, large-format early work published in 1974 - beautifully balanced and deeply rooted in tradition. 🍂🛕👣

• Year & Edition: 1974. Ed. 51/100 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Paper H: 45.00 cm × W: 59.75 cm. Image H: 38.00 cm × W: 53.50 cm.
  
• Condition: Spectacular for its age. Image face unblemished with rich colour. Paper clean, crisp, and intact.
  
• Notes: A beautifully composed tribute to Ishiteji  - one of Japan’s most historically significant pilgrimage temples. A rare early piece in excellent condition, with fine goma-zuri textures and a smaller edition run.

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]