Sanjo Bridge in Mist
by Insho Domoto
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
Description
This oban woodblock print captures Sanjo Bridge shrouded in mist, transforming one of Kyoto's most historic landmarks into a ghostly, atmospheric image. The Sanjo Bridge spans the Kamo River and historically served as the western terminus of the Tokaido road, making it a symbol of connection between Kyoto and Edo. Domoto's decision to depict the bridge in mist dissolves its solid architectural forms into soft, indistinct shapes that emerge from and recede into the surrounding vapor. The mist condition, common along the Kamo River in early morning and during certain seasons, strips away the identifying details of the modern city, allowing the ancient bridge to exist in a timeless atmospheric space. The woodblock medium's bokashi gradation technique is ideally suited to rendering the soft transitions between visible and obscured forms.
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
Sanjo Bridge in Mist was created by Insho Domoto (堂本印象).
Sanjo Bridge in Mist depicts landscapes and bridges.