Masao Ido “Kōetsu-ji” Kyoto temple, signed limited edition Japanese woodblock print

Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check

Masao Ido – “Kōetsu-ji” Kyoto, Rare Signed Japanese Woodblock Print, Edition 26/300, 2009, with Artist’s Autographed Reverse

A beautifully composed and highly collectible original Japanese woodblock print by celebrated Kyoto artist Masao Ido (1945–2016), depicting the celebrated Kōetsu-ji Temple in Kyoto during the height of the autumn season.

Printed in 2009 as edition 26 of only 300 impressions, this work perfectly demonstrates Ido’s unmistakable style—bold simplified forms, luminous colour harmonies and the quiet atmosphere for which his Kyoto landscapes are internationally admired. Brilliant crimson and golden maple trees frame the famous bamboo fence and temple garden, creating one of Kyoto’s most iconic seasonal scenes.

This impression is signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil by the artist beneath the image and bears his red artist’s seal in the lower right corner.

What makes this example exceptionally desirable is something rarely encountered: the reverse of the original frame has been personally signed by Masao Ido in large flowing Japanese calligraphy, accompanied by the original artist biography label. While Ido’s pencil signature appears on every authentic edition, this large handwritten brush signature on the verso is highly unusual and adds an additional level of authenticity, provenance and collectability.

Presented in its original Japanese hardwood frame with archival window mat.

Dimensions

• Height: 38 cm (14.96 in.)
• Width : 46 cm (18.11 in.)
• Depth :   3 cm (1.18 in.)

Condition

Very good original condition with bright colours. Original frame with minor wear consistent with age and careful use. Ready to hang.

About Masao Ido

Masao Ido (1945–2016) was born in Kyoto and became one of Japan’s foremost contemporary woodblock printmakers. Working within the Sōsaku-hanga (“creative print”) movement, he designed, carved and supervised the printing of his own works, placing the artist firmly at the centre of the creative process.

His lifelong inspiration was Kyoto. Rather than depicting famous landmarks in a documentary manner, Ido captured their atmosphere—the silence after rain, the glow of autumn maple leaves, winter snow and the soft light of spring. His works combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a distinctly modern graphic sensibility, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.  

About Japanese Woodblock Printing

Japanese mokuhanga (woodblock printing) is one of the world’s most refined printmaking traditions, perfected over centuries. Each colour requires its own hand-carved cherry wood block, carefully registered so that successive impressions build the final image layer by layer.

Unlike mechanical reproductions, every impression is individually hand printed using water-based pigments and a baren, producing subtle colour gradations (bokashi), rich textures and slight variations that make each print unique.

Masao Ido revitalised this centuries-old technique for a contemporary audience while preserving the exceptional craftsmanship that defines Japanese woodblock printing.

About Kōetsu-ji Temple

Founded in 1615, Kōetsu-ji in northern Kyoto is closely associated with Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558–1637), one of Japan’s greatest artists, calligraphers and ceramic masters. The temple is particularly famous for its bamboo fences, quiet gardens and extraordinary maple trees, making it one of Kyoto’s most celebrated destinations during the autumn foliage season.

Ido returned repeatedly to Kōetsu-ji throughout his career, attracted by its peaceful atmosphere and ever-changing seasonal colours. In this composition he captures the temple’s celebrated bamboo fence framed by brilliant autumn foliage, creating an image that is both instantly recognisable and deeply evocative of Kyoto’s timeless beauty.  

Collectors’ Note

Examples of this edition are scarce, but impressions retaining the original Japanese frame, the artist’s biography label, the full pencil inscription, and especially Masao Ido’s large brush signature on the reverse are exceptionally uncommon. These features considerably enhance both authenticity and desirability, making this a particularly attractive acquisition for collectors of contemporary Japanese prints and Kyoto-inspired art.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.

The print will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden case. 
Cost of transport to the US, Euro 245, is case included.

Wear consistent with age and use.

We ship worldwide. Request a shipping quote by e-mail to tacojoustra@vintageobjects.com mentioning the piece you are interested in.

Pick-up by appointment only.

We are a 1stDibs Platinum 5 Star Dealer.