Nawa Shrine draped in heavy snowfall makes for a quiet, meditative composition that showcases Tokuriki's mastery of winter atmosphere. The shrine's austere architecture gains warmth from the surrounding snow, creating a serene mood. Publisher editions with Unsodo or Uchida seals generally sell for $75-$250. Snow scenes are consistently popular among Japanese print collectors, and Tokuriki's gentle style suits the subject particularly well.
Nawa Shrine — the small Shinto shrine in Kyoto's Fushimi district dedicated to Nawa Nagatoshi, another loyal warrior of Emperor Go-Daigo's Kemmu Restoration — appears under snow in this winter composition by Tokuriki. The shrine's enclosure under a blanket of snow creates the austere, silent quality that Tokuriki found most compelling in winter subjects: the sacred precinct reduced to its essential geometry by the season's covering, the familiar landmarks of the shrine — stone lanterns, gate, hall — transformed into white shapes.
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.
Nawa Shrine in Snow was created by Tomikichiro Tokuriki (徳力富吉郎).
Nawa Shrine in Snow uses Nishiki-e, Moku-hanga, and Kento, on woodblock print.
Nawa Shrine in Snow was published by Unsodo.
Nawa Shrine in Snow depicts snow scenes and temples & shrines.
