Sotoba in Forest ( Inner sanctuary of Mt. Köya)

Sotoba — the tall wooden memorial stakes inscribed with Buddhist sutras that mark Japanese graves — are here depicted in the forest of the inner sanctuary of Mt. Kōya, the Okunoin. The forest of sotoba, rising among the ancient cryptomeria trees of Kōya-san's vast graveyard, creates a landscape that is simultaneously nature and memorial inscription. The undated print renders this unique sacred environment with quiet authority.