Pontocho, Kyoto depicts one of Kyoto's most atmospheric narrow lanes, known for its geisha houses and traditional restaurants. Sekino's graphic woodblock treatment transforms this famous alley into a striking composition. Values range from $250-$800 for this hand-pulled limited edition.
Pontocho — the narrow lantern-lit alley running parallel to the Kamo River in Kyoto — appears here as a study in the atmospheric architecture of Japan's traditional entertainment district. The closely spaced machiya buildings, the overhead lanterns, and the absence of wide sight-lines create an intimacy that Sekino renders in a palette suited to evening: warm light against dark wood, the alley's social life implied in its architecture.
Woodblock print
1928
Color lithograph
1930
Color lithograph
1948
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Pontocho, Kyoto was created by Jun'ichiro Sekino (関野準一郎).
Pontocho, Kyoto uses Nishiki-e, Moku-hanga, and Kento, on woodblock print.
Pontocho, Kyoto depicts urban scenes, night scenes, and architecture, set at Kyoto.
