<b>THE RAZING OF THE TEMPLE OF TODAIJI</b> / Yoshitoshi Mori1973<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

Yoshitoshi Mori presents us with a dramatic night scene where the great Buddha of Todaji is engulfed in flames. The design is certainly dramatic but it also is historical, as the wooden structure that holds the great Buddha was razed to the ground several times by sundry military powers. The last occurrence was during the 12th century when it was rebuilt into the largest wooden structure of its kind in Japan. There is a striking counterpoise in this design as the insatiable flames devour the enormous wooden structure while the Buddha, with his hand outstretched in a calming stance, plummets to the ground. The image is a striking koan, or riddle, left for the eyes to ponder.

Connoisseur's Note

This design is one of Mori’s most successful large-scale stencil prints. It’s considered one of his masterpieces and among his most sought after works. This particular impression is made even more desirable by its pristine condition and vivid colors—a testament to its years of archival storage. It’s quite rare to find large-scale work that has never been framed or displayed and has been spared the transgressions of improper framing and fading caused by years of exposure to sunlight. This print is as fresh as the day it was printed.