Where can I see Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple?

Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple?

Museum-quality prints of Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple

Tsuchiya Kōitsu , 1938

Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple is a print by Tsuchiya Kōitsu. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The building has multiple curved roofs stacked on top of each other, with a spire rising from the center.

This print shows a tall wooden pagoda at night, lit softly by a bright moon. The building has multiple curved roofs stacked on top of each other, with a spire rising from the center. Trees with dark leaves frame the left side, and a fence runs along the base of the temple. The ground looks wet, with patches of blue flowers scattered around.

The artist used simple colors—deep blues, grays, and warm wood tones—to create a calm night scene. The moon’s light makes the temple stand out against the dark sky.

Want to see more of this artist’s work? Check out Tsuchiya Kōitsu (Japanese, 1870–1949).

Overview

Sketches of Famous Places in Japan: Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple is a print by Tsuchiya Kōitsu, a Japanese artist associated with the Shin-hanga movement. Created in 1938, it showcases the artist's later work, characterized by a focus on landscape and atmospheric effects.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Asakusa Kinryūzan Temple at night, with a tall wooden pagoda illuminated by moonlight. The scene is framed by trees and a fence, with a wet ground scattered with blue flowers, evoking a serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Kōitsu used a limited color palette, featuring deep blues, grays, and warm wood tones, to create a calm night scene. The moon's light highlights the temple against the dark sky, demonstrating the artist's skill in capturing atmospheric light effects.

History & Provenance

Tsuchiya Kōitsu trained under Kobayashi Kiyochika for 19 years and began producing prints for Shōzaburō Watanabe's publishing house in 1931, at the age of 60. This print is part of a series reflecting his later focus on landscape and emotional impact.