Nigatsudo Hall [Todaiji Temple], Nara (Translation)
Japanese Sceneries II, Kansai Series (Series Title)
川瀬巴水 日本風景集2 関西篇 奈良二月堂 昭和九年五月 木版画 (Primary Title)
Nihon fukei shu II Kensei hen, Nara Nigatsudo (Transliterated Title)
Nigatsudo Temple, Nara (Donor's Title)
Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水, Japanese, 1883 - 1957 (Artist)
Watanabe Shōzaburō 渡邊庄三郎, Japanese, 1885 - 1962 (Publisher)
Nigatsudo, a wooden structure on the eastern side of Todaiji Temple in the ancient capital of Nara, has been the site of an annual rite held in February since 760. Constructed in the 8th century, this temple hall is dedicated to Kannon, an eleven-faced bodhisattva. Followers believed that a recitation of verses helped them remove sinful temptations and attain inner power. Hasui’s composition focuses on a corner of the hall’s wooden structure, covered by an extended roof. Iron lanterns offered by temple patrons hang from the ceiling, as a woman gazes out at the misty mountains in the distance. Various shades of black and gray on leaves, architecture, and mountains demonstrate the collaborative efforts between the designer, block carver, and printer.
Showa period (1926-1989)
巴水 Hasui
Publisher's seal (C) in lower right margin.
奈良二月堂 昭和九年五月作
René and Carolyn Balcer Collection
"Temples and Shrines in Japan: Woodblock Prints by Kawase Hasui" November 17, 2018 - March 16, 2019, VMFA
1979渡辺／川瀬巴水…232／ 昭和九年五月 日本風景集2 関西篇 ワタナベ 20 奈良二月堂
©artist or artist’s estate
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