Masao Ido - 須賀川の牡丹 (Peonies of Sukagawa)

A fabulous print by Masao Ido: 須賀川の牡丹 (Peonies of Sukagawa). This charming piece captures the quiet beauty of Sukagawa’s historic peony garden (牡丹園) in Fukushima Prefecture. Pink peonies bloom in the foreground, with a simple thatched-roof pavilion nestled among tall trees. First cultivated in 1766 for medicinal use, the garden now hosts over 290 varieties and is Japan’s only designated peony site of Natural Scenic Beauty. A delicate print that blends seasonal colour and historical depth. 🌸🌿

• Year & Edition: 2001 · Ed. 11/350 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 26.25 cm × W: 36.25 cm · Image H: 21.00 cm × W: 30.50 cm.
  
• Condition: Excellent condition. Crisp paper with vibrant colour. Minor tape marks to upper/lower margin edge.
  
• Notes: The Sukagawa Peony Garden (須賀川牡丹園) was established by Ito Yurimichi with seedlings from Settsu Province (modern-day Takarazuka). A rare garden recognised for its scenic and cultural importance.

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]