A snow-covered pagoda is one of woodblock printmaking's most timeless subjects, and Asano's version brings his characteristic color intensity to the white-on-vermillion contrast. This composition generally sells for $150-$500. The dramatic interplay between the bright pagoda structure and blanketing snow makes it one of his most visually striking winter prints.
Pagoda in Snow presents one of Japan's most visually compelling architectural subjects — the multi-tiered Buddhist pagoda — in the condition that most dramatically transforms its appearance. Snow accumulating on each upswept tier created a series of horizontal white bands that emphasized the pagoda's layered structure, and the contrast between the dark timber construction and the white snow below gave the image the graphic clarity that Asano sought in his architectural compositions. The silence and stillness of a snow-covered pagoda carried associations of Buddhist serenity and the endurance of sacred structures through seasonal change.
Woodblock print
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban
Yuki no Miyajima
1929
Color woodblock print; oban
1932
Woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Pagoda in Snow was created by Takeji Asano (浅野竹二).
Pagoda in Snow uses Bokashi, Nishiki-e, and Moku-hanga, on woodblock print.
Pagoda in Snow was published by Unsodo.
Pagoda in Snow depicts snow scenes and pagodas.
