Kiyoshi Saito 斎藤清: Path through a Bamboo Forest to Enri-an Temple in Kyoto (Sold)

Artist: Kiyoshi Saito 斎藤清 (1907-1997)
Title: Onri-an Kyoto (C) [Enri-an Temple]
Date: 1965

A rush fence holding back a bamboo forest leads the viewer on a narrow path to the entrance gate to a temple in Kyoto. It is most likely Enri-an Temple, which is located at the end of a long, narrow path that is lined with bamboo, and today the view looks much the same as this rendering by Saito. Saito has placed the gate off-center and used a strong perspective, giving this scene a subtle excitement. We might guess that it is winter, as this temple is known for the brilliant colors of its autumn foliage. Saito has replaced colors with textures and distilled our view down to its strongest elements. The formal name for Enri-an Temple is Keirian Temple, and it is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect. From a limited edition and numbered in pencil 9/100 by the artist in the lower margin.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some barely visible areas of discoloration on margins on back.
Dimensions: 45 x 60.3 cm
Publisher: Self-published
Literature: See the Cleveland Museum of Art Collection.
Seal: artist’s seal “Kiyoshi” in red
Signature: Kiyoshi Saito (in pencil)

SKU: SAT098