<b>BYODO-IN TEMPLE</b> / Unichi Hiratsuka1960<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

Hiratsuka Unichi, renowned for his mastery of black and white compositions, unveils a captivating vista of Byodo Temple in this woodblock print. At the heart of the scene stands a stone lantern, its weathered form a testament to the passage of time. Surrounding it, meticulously raked sand creates a sense of tranquility and order, while in the background, a series of small steps lead to a temple, its doors invitingly ajar. The interplay of light and shadow dances across the landscape, expertly arranged by the artist to accentuate the serene beauty of the setting. In the foreground, a still pool of water mirrors the silhouette of the tiled roof of the temple, adding depth and dimension to the composition. Through Hiratsuka's deft hand, this print captures not only the physical elements of the garden but also the timeless essence of contemplation and harmony that define Japanese aesthetics.

Connoisseur's Note

This design was included in the deluxe edition of James Michener’s "A Modern Japanese Print, An Appreciation," published in 1962. Unlike impressions taken from the book, this particular print was produced prior to its publication, as indicated by the title and date handwritten by the artist on the right-hand side margin. Widely recognized as one of the finest designs featured in the book, this impression presents an exceptionally rare chance to own the print independently, without the need to purchase the entire Michener book or contend with the design being bound within its pages.