Ginkaku-ji
by Insho Domoto
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
Description
This oban woodblock print depicts Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district that ranks among the city's most treasured cultural properties. Despite its name, the pavilion was never actually covered in silver; it takes its nickname from its relationship to the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji across the city. The temple's restrained beauty, its moss garden, the raked sand garden known as the Sea of Silver Sand, and the modest two-story pavilion itself, embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic of understated elegance. Domoto, as a Kyoto artist thoroughly versed in the city's cultural landmarks, renders Ginkaku-ji with the familiarity of frequent observation. The woodblock print captures the quiet atmosphere that distinguishes this temple from its more flamboyant golden counterpart.
More Prints by Insho Domoto
More Landscapes Prints
Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Autumn Maple Leaves at Takao, from the album Eight Views of Kyoto (Kyôto hakkei)
Woodblock print
The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Tea Kettle, section of a sheet from the series "Mirror of Stone Rubbings of Views of the Provinces" (Kohon meihitsu ishizuri kagami)
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ginkaku-ji was created by Insho Domoto (堂本印象).
Ginkaku-ji depicts landscapes, temples & shrines, and gardens.