The Katata Ukimido Temple in the Lake Biwa — 堅田浮御堂
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
- Image courtesy of
- Japanese Art Open Database
Ukimido (浮御堂) at Katata on the western shore of Lake Biwa is a small Amida Buddha hall built on pilings over the lake surface, connected to the shore by a narrow wooden walkway. Its apparent flotation on the water made it a canonical subject in the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) tradition, where it typically appeared under the title 'Katata rakugan' (wild geese descending at Katata). Kotozuka's treatment positions the pavilion against the broad expanse of the lake, with the distant eastern shore of Shiga visible as a low horizon and the sky occupying much of the upper register. The reflection of the pavilion and surrounding posts on the still lake surface doubles the composition vertically. The season would determine the sky treatment: winter versions often featured a cold blue-grey gradation, while autumn treatments might incorporate the earthy tones of surrounding reeds. [Bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) gradation on the sky and water blocks requires meticulous pressure control for even tone across large flat areas.
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Woodblock print
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
The Katata Ukimido Temple in the Lake Biwa — 堅田浮御堂 was created by Kotozuka Eiichi (琴塚英一).
The Katata Ukimido Temple in the Lake Biwa — 堅田浮御堂 depicts landscapes.
