Ray Morimura - 寛永寺 勅使門 (Kaneiji Temple: Imperial Messenger’s Gate)

A fabulous print by Ray Morimura: 寛永寺 勅使門 (Kan’ei-ji Temple: Imperial Messenger’s Gate). The richly decorated temple gate stands beneath a sweeping green roof as snow falls through a soft pink sky. Bare branches frame the architecture, while vermilion, gold & black details pick out the carved panels, tiled walls and heavy wooden doors. A striking winter view of Kan’ei-ji in Ueno, Tokyo. 🏯❄️

• Year & Edition: 2016 · Edition of 100 (57/100). 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: Kan’ei-ji was founded in Ueno in 1625 by the Tendai priest Tenkai, with Tokugawa patronage, to protect the northeastern approach to Edo Castle. It later became a family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns and one of Edo’s most important religious complexes. 勅使門 (chokushimon) refers to a ceremonial gate used by messengers from the Imperial Court. Much of the vast temple complex was destroyed during the Battle of Ueno in 1868.