Details

Set against the expansive mountains of Kyoto, Hiroshige's composition unveils a captivating vista dominated by the Golden Pavilion, originally constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The ethereal beauty of the landscape is accentuated by a fog-like haze that hovers over the terrain, providing a striking backdrop. The meticulously cultivated man-made moat envelops the gold-adorned structure, serving as a visual anchor in the lower right portion of the composition. Hiroshige's skillful design further comes to life with the delicate application of bokashi, employing color gradation to enhance the overall visual richness of the scene. This composition not only captures the serene allure of Kyoto's hills but also pays homage to the historical significance of the Golden Pavilion.

It's noteworthy to explore how other Ukiyo-e artists approached this subject in their own interpretations. We invite you to examine Sadanobu’s rendition of this scene, which is showcased here.

Connoisseur's Note

Although filled with charming designs, this particular series did not achieve the same level of success as Hiroshige's debut series, "Hoeido Tokaido," or his renowned "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo." Consequently, prints from this series were not produced in large quantities, leading to rarer and stronger impressions seldom found in the market.