Ray Morimura - 金閣雪景色 (Kinkaku-ji in Snow)

A fabulous print by Ray Morimura: 金閣雪景色 (Kinkaku-ji in Snow). Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion stands beside the dark waters of Kyōko-chi, surrounded by densely carved pines heavy with snow. Warm gold tones pick out the temple and its reflection against the stark black & white winter landscape, while snow-covered branches frame the view from the foreground. A beautifully detailed scene of one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. ❄️🏯

• Year & Edition: 2012 · Artist Proof (1/10) (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: A lovely piece depictng Kinkaku-ji, officially Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. The pavilion originated as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century and became a temple following his death. Its upper storeys are covered in gold leaf, creating the distinctive reflection seen across Kyōko-chi (鏡湖池, “Mirror Pond”). The present pavilion was reconstructed in 1955 after the earlier building was destroyed by fire in 1950.