Tokuriki's Gion Festival print captures the excitement of Kyoto's most famous annual celebration outside of the monthly series format. The standalone composition likely offers a different perspective or larger scale than the July entry in his Kyoto monthly set. Publisher editions typically sell for $75-$300. Collectors who already own the monthly series version sometimes seek this alternative rendering for comparison.
The Gion Festival — held each July in Kyoto and considered one of Japan's three greatest festivals — is depicted in this Tokuriki print, the enormous decorated floats (yamaboko) that are the festival's defining visual element rising above the crowded streets. The Gion Festival has been celebrated for over eleven centuries, its yamaboko floats — some reaching heights of twenty meters — now designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tokuriki's depiction captures the festival's combination of ancient religious ritual, spectacular visual display, and the communal energy of Kyoto's greatest summer celebration.
広隆寺牛祭
Woodblock print
二月 (伏見稲荷大社祭)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
七月 (祇園祭山鉾巡行)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
八月 (三条大橋より大文字)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Gion Festival was created by Tomikichiro Tokuriki (徳力富吉郎).
Gion Festival uses Nishiki-e, Moku-hanga, and Kento, on woodblock print.
Gion Festival was published by Unsodo.
Gion Festival depicts summer, set at Kyoto, Gion.
