Takao (Autumn)

A second rendering of Takao in autumn, this oban woodblock print revisits the maple-filled gorge from a vantage point or at a moment distinct from the companion print in Koichi's catalog. The Kiyotaki River, flowing through the base of the valley, may feature more prominently here, or the composition may shift emphasis from the canopy overhead to the stone paths and wooden bridges that wind through the ravine. Takao's compact geography, where temple buildings, river, and forested slopes occupy a narrow valley, gives artists multiple framing options within a small area. Koichi's decision to produce more than one print of this location reflects both the commercial popularity of autumn foliage subjects among collectors and the genuine visual richness of a site that changes character with every shift in viewing angle and light.