KINUGASA KANNON: KINUGASA KANNON SHRINE GODDESS OF MERCY. [A Color Shin-Hanga Wo

TAKAHASHI, Hiroaki. [Shotei]

About this Item

[Tokyo ca.1924-1927, Watanabe]. Chuban color woodblock print sheet size: 12.1 x 18.2, print size: 11.7 x 18.4 cm., superb copy, artist's red Hanko [seal/chop], signature top left, excellent example, verso with "Made in Japan" stamp. RARE ! . . *** *** *** . . . SUPERB VIEW OF KINUGASA BUDDHIST TEMPLE . . . HOME OF THE 8th CENTURY KANNON OR GODDESS OF MERCY . . . A STUNNING VIEW OF THE FIVE TIERED PAGODA & STONE WALL . . . KINUGASA KANNON, THE GODDESS OF MERCY BUDDHIST SHRINE: . * Kinugasa Buddhist Shrine and Temple was first built in the Heian period [794-1185], then again in 1633. It is located in Kinugasa, a suburb of Kyoto. The Goddess of Mercy is Japan's most visited and respected Buddhist saint, she has 1000 arms and is the most compassionate of all deities in the Buddhist pantheon. Her 8th century statue resides inside the shrine since the 8th century. . It is believed that owning an image of the shrine or its Kannon-sama statue, earns Buddhist merit, and grants the holder compassion. It is the most worshiped of all deities in Japan and throughout the Buddhist world. Surely Shotei earned Buddhist merit & compassion by drawing and printing this and many other temples. . *** WHO WAS THE ARTIST: TAKAHASHI HIROAKI [Shotei] 1878-1944]: . He is best known by his "Go" [or "studio name"] Shotei. He was a superb Shin-hanga woodblock print artist. He most always signed each print in the block, adding his red cinnabar Hanko [seal/chop] reading "Hiroaki" or "Shotei." There are other variants as well. . A good number of his works were published by Watanabe, who encouraged artist to have their works published at his publishing houses part of his new movement known as "Shin-Hanga ["New Prints" movement. He is known as the 'father' of the Shin-hanga the movement. Shotei became part of the very new Shin-Hanga movement. Many other artists also joined Watanabe and Doi to have the art works also printed and published at these two high quality establishments. . Shotei produced about 500 prints prior to the great Kanto earthquake in September 1, 1923. As a result of the great conflagration throughout the Tokyo/Kanto area all of his woodblocks and his prints [and most other artist's blocks & prints as well] were destroyed. . By 1924, Watanabe and Doi re-carved many of his and other artist's pre-earthquake prints, but in a slightly different image, some with major differences. There are definite distinctions between the pre-vs. post earthquake prints produced by all publishers. . After the restoration and rebuilding of Tokyo area, Shotei continued his work and executed approximately 250 more color Shin-hanga woodblock prints. . It was said that Shotei was most likely killed in Hiroshima when he visited his daughter. The surrounding area was devastated by the atom bomb, in August, 1945. Neither he nor his remains were ever found. . *** THE SUBJECT OF THE PRINT: One of Shotei's most celebrated and obscure works. . This superbly composed work shows the Kinugasa temple pagoda at the right, surrounded by a protective stone wall. The steps leading to the courtyard are left of center. . Two slightly bent over aged pilgrim women progress at a slow pace to enter the shrine and make an offering. The lead "Baba" [old woman] uses a cane to help her amble along. The famous and ancient cedar trees line the background, pine trees within the walls. The five-tier pagoda has a stunningly old patina in iron-based red, turning to a rust-tinged deeper and aged color. A flock of birds fly over the temple and sanctuary in the early morning dawn. . A holy and most auspicious Buddhist-inspired work. . The print reflecting the Meiji era Shin-hanga [New Print] spirit & skill, colorful. . *** AUCTION RECORD: Bonham's London, From Harunobu to Hasui, Prints Across The Centuries lot #464, $1112 & #466 $954, May 23, 2023 . *** CONDITION: This print is in superb and excellent condition, there are no issues. As usual, it has the "Made in Japan" stamp on the lower verso, commonl. Seller Inventory # 36059701

Bibliographic Details

Title: KINUGASA KANNON: KINUGASA KANNON SHRINE ...