Masao Ido - 小豆島 (オリーブ園より(Shodoshima (From the Olive Gardens))

A fabulous print by Masao Ido: 小豆島 (Shodoshima - From the Olive Gardens). This peaceful view looks out over Japan’s 小豆島 Shodoshima, a scenic island in the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) famed for its Mediterranean climate and long history of olive cultivation. Rendered in rich blues and fresh “Ido Green” foliage, the composition features a cluster of tiled-roof farmhouses nestled among olive groves, with the curved coastline and distant islands beyond. A beautifully balanced summer landscape capturing one of Kagawa Prefecture’s most beloved destinations. 🌿🏝️

• Year & Edition: 1979 · Ed. 88/120 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Paper H: 29.75 cm × W: 43.75 cm · Image H: 26.00 cm × W: 38.50 cm.
  
• Condition: Fair. Light soiling to sea area in image. Paper intact with faint browning along outer margin.
  
• Notes: Shodoshima (小豆島), known as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan, has long been admired for its blend of inland sea beauty and rustic island charm. Its Olive Park (小豆島オリーブ公園) is not only a local landmark but also a Studio Ghibli fan destination, linked to Kiki’s Delivery Service. This early print by Ido celebrates the calm, sun-drenched atmosphere of the island as seen from the olive terraces.

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]