Masao Ido - 石水院 (Sekisui-in, Kosanji Temple)

A fabulous print by Masao Ido: 石水院 (Sekisui-in, Kosanji Temple). A beautifully composed view from Sekisui-in (石水院), the oldest surviving hall of Kosanji Temple (高山寺), nestled in the misty mountains west of Kyoto. Ido captures the peaceful ascent from the temple gate (石水院の門) below, with lush green foliage framing the approach. The print's refined textures and layered “Ido Green” palette evoke the quiet dignity of this historic site. Kosanji was founded in the 13th century by Buddhist monk Myoe (明恵), and Sekisui-in now houses one of Japan’s most beloved National Treasures: the Chōjū-giga (鳥獣人物戯画) scrolls. 🍃🏯

• Year & Edition: 1992 · Ed. 16/180 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 33.00 cm × W: 45.25 cm · Image H: 26.00 cm × W: 38.00 cm.
  
• Condition: Excellent. Strong green hues with no marks to image. Paper clean and crisp with minor margin handling.
  
• Notes: Kosanji Temple (高山寺), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Japan’s oldest tea plantation (日本最古の茶園) and the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga - satirical scrolls often called Japan’s first manga. Ido’s perspective shows the temple’s layered elevation and cultural depth.

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]