Autumn Moon at Ishiyamadera

Medium:: Woodblock print
Format:: Oban
Publisher:: Doi Sadaichi
Edition:: Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
Source:: Chazen Museum of Art

Typical Price

Koitsu's atmospheric night and temple scenes are his most sought-after subjects. Doi Hangaten first editions (1930s) are the most desirable; Watanabe editions are more common.

Later printings: $500–$1,500
Good lifetime editions: $1,500–$4,000
First editions, night scenes, exceptional condition: $4,000–$12,000

Description

Ishiyamadera on the southern shore of Lake Biwa has been associated with moongazing since the Heian period, when the temple's hilltop position over the water made it ideal for viewing the autumn moon. Koitsu renders the scene with the luminous [bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) that defines his finest night work — the moon's glow diffusing through mist above the darkened lake surface, the temple buildings silhouetted against the pale sky. The print draws on the same classical imagery as his 1933 Ishiyama view but treats the scene with greater atmospheric abstraction.