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Twenty Views of Tokyo: Zozo-ji Temple

Art Appreciation

This evocative woodblock print captures a serene snowfall at a grand temple, its vivid vermilion structure standing bold against a softly falling white landscape. The composition is elegantly framed by snow-laden branches in the foreground, which cascade downward like delicate brushstrokes, inviting the viewer’s eye toward the temple’s majestic rooflines. A solitary figure, cloaked in traditional attire and shaded by a broad, straw hat, ambles quietly through the scene, evoking a sense of peaceful solitude amid the wintry hush.

The artist’s masterful use of color employs a restrained palette dominated by deep reds, muted greys, and whites, which together create a harmonious contrast and enhance the quiet, contemplative mood. The fine pattern of falling snowflakes, rendered with meticulous detail, adds a layer of texture and movement, while the stark outline of the temple against the sky gives the image a timeless, almost meditative quality. Rooted in early 20th-century Japan, this work blends traditional ukiyo-e methods with modern sensibilities, reflecting an enduring reverence for nature and culture through the fleeting beauty of a snowstorm.

Twenty Views of Tokyo: Zozo-ji Temple

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1925

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Dimensions:

4112 × 6040 px

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