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Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto After Autumn Rain

Art Appreciation

This artwork invites the viewer into a tranquil scene of an ancient Kyoto temple just after an autumn rain. The focus lies on the grand wooden gate of a temple, surrounded by trees in warm autumnal hues—vivid oranges, soft greens, and a touch of fading yellows—creating a harmonious contrast to the solemn architecture. The meticulous linework and delicate gradations of color demonstrate the artist’s mastery in ukiyo-e printmaking techniques, capturing both the intricate details of the temple’s tiled roof and the subtle reflections pooling on the wet ground below. The overall composition balances solidity with fluidity, as the imposing gate anchors the piece while the reflective water and gently fluttering foliage breathe life and movement into the scene.

Echoing a moment of serene stillness, the artwork paints an emotional spectrum of calmness and reverence. The damp, reflective surface softly mirrors the structure and colors above, evoking a quiet intimacy with nature’s transient beauty. Historically, this print belongs to the mid-20th century, continuing the tradition of Japanese woodblock art while embracing a modern sense of atmosphere and place. The work’s restrained palette and refined craftsmanship pay homage to the spiritual ambiance of the temple, inviting contemplation not just of a physical place, but of a fleeting moment in time where nature and human creation coexist harmoniously.

Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto After Autumn Rain

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1952

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0

Dimensions:

2047 × 3108 px

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