
Temple
by Kosaka Gajin
- Date:
- 20th century
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
A temple structure depicted with the quiet reverence that sacred architecture inspires in many Japanese printmakers. Kosaka Gajin frames the building within its surrounding trees and grounds, treating the architecture not as an isolated monument but as part of a living environment shaped by centuries of worship and seasonal change. The woodblock carving preserves the clean geometry of the temple's roof lines and pillars while softening the natural elements—foliage, stone paths, filtered light—into gentler forms. The overall mood is one of sheltered calm, the kind of stillness that settles over temple precincts between the hours of formal prayer.
More Prints by Kosaka Gajin
More Temples & Shrines Prints

Fushimi Inari Temple
伏見稲荷
Woodblock print

The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in the Snow (Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki), from the series "Famous Places in the Eastern Capital (Toto meisho)"
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban

Temple with lanterns
Woodblock print

A Section of the Byodo Temple at Uji (Uji Byodoin no ichibu), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Second Series (Tabi miyage dai nishu)"
Uji Byodoin no ichibu
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temple was created by Kosaka Gajin (上坂雅人) in 20th century.
Temple depicts temples & shrines.



