Ray Morimura - 浅草雷門 (Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa)

A fabulous print by Ray Morimura: 浅草雷門 (Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa). The gate’s vast paper lantern hangs above crowds passing between its towering pillars and into Nakamise-dōri beyond. Burnt orange, black, ochre & grey give the scene a warm, dense atmosphere, with the lantern dominating the composition and the busy temple approach narrowing into the distance. 🏮⛩️

• Year & Edition: 2013 · Edition of 70 (64/70). Signed, titled & dated in pencil.
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
  
• Dimensions: Sheet W: 42.75 cm × H: 58.75 cm. Image W: 29.75 cm × H: 44.50 cm.
  
• Condition: Mint.
  
• Notes: Kaminarimon (雷門, “Thunder Gate”) is the main entrance to Sensō-ji and one of Asakusa’s best-known landmarks. Its formal name is 風雷神門 (Fūraijinmon, “Gate of the Wind and Thunder Gods”), referring to the figures of Fūjin and Raijin guarding the entrance. First built in 942 and later repeatedly damaged by fire, the present gate was reconstructed in 1960. Beyond it lies Nakamise, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets.