Artist: Hiroshi Yoshida
Medium: Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Series Title: Japan
Edition: First
Date: 1941
Publisher: The Artist - Privately Published
Reference No.: Abe #248
Size: 15 -3/4 x 21 -1/4 " (Dai-Oban Format)
Condition: Very fine
Notes:
Signed and titled in pencil, with the artist's brush signature and red chop. Jizuri seal in the upper left margin. "Gold Gate" (Kinmon), is highly regarded as one of Yoshida's final masterpieces before his career was interrupted by World War II.
Although titled, "Gold Gate", the print depicts the vibrant red and gold-embellished Omotemon (or Niomon) gate. This structure serves as the grand entrance to the historic Toshogu Shrine nestled in the verdant forests of Nikko, Japan. The print showcases Yoshida’s exceptional ability to blend traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with Western light and perspective realism. It portrays two large guardian statues (Nio) nestled inside the gate structure. Visitors dressed in traditional clothing walk down the stone steps toward a large stone lantern at the entrance, all framed by towering green trees.