Lake Biwa
by Koho Shoda
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
- Image courtesy of
- Japanese Art Open Database
Description
A second view in Shoda's Lake Biwa series, this print likely depicts the lake under different atmospheric or seasonal conditions than the companion designs. The Eight Views tradition allowed artists to explore contrasts: moonlight versus sunset, calm versus storm, spring blossoms versus winter snow. Shoda may have positioned this view to emphasize the relationship between the lake's surface and the surrounding Omi mountains, using deep bokashi gradations to convey distance and atmosphere. The series format, common in both Edo-period ukiyo-e and shin-hanga production, enabled sustained exploration of a single landscape subject through varied light and weather, with each sheet functioning independently while gaining meaning from its position within the set.
More Prints by Koho Shoda
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
Lake Biwa was created by Koho Shoda (庄田耕峰).
Lake Biwa depicts landscapes.