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Ohtsu Kazuyuki
'Komyō-ji Temple at Autumn in Kyoto' — Sōsaku-hanga Woodblock Masterwork

2012

About the Item

Ohtsu Kazuyuki, 'Kyo no Aki - Komyō-ji' (Komyō-ji temple at Autumn in Kyoto), large-scale color woodblock print, ed. 100, 2012. Signed, titled in Japanese, numbered 78/100, and dated in pencil. A superb, richly-inked impression, with fresh colors, on heavy Japanese washi paper; the full sheet with margins (approx. 1 1/2 inches) and deckle edges all around, in excellent condition. Self-printed and self-published by the artist. Archivally sleeved, unmatted. Image size 15 x 20 13/16 inches (381 x 529 mm); sheet size 17 3/4 x 24 inches (451 x 610 mm). ABOUT THE IMAGE Komyo-ji Temple (光明寺) is a historic Buddhist temple in Kyoto, closely associated with the origins of the Jōdo (Pure Land) sect and the teachings of the Buddhist monk Hōnen. Komyō-ji was founded in 1175, during the late Heian period (794–1185), a time of political instability, natural disasters, and widespread belief in mappō—the Latter Age of the Dharma. In this context, Pure Land Buddhism gained prominence for its emphasis on faith and accessible practice over scholastic learning.. Traditionally regarded as the first temple formally established to promote Hōnen’s doctrine of exclusive devotion to Amida Buddha through the nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu), Komyō-ji played a formative role in the institutional development of Jōdo Buddhism at the close of the Heian era. Architecturally and spatially, the temple reflects the Jōdo tradition’s contemplative ethos. Its wooded grounds and long approach encourage processional movement and awareness of seasonal change. Komyō-ji is especially renowned for its autumn maple foliage, which aligns with the temple’s emphasis on quiet reflection. Historically and today, Komyō-ji has served as both a religious center and a place of retreat, supporting core Jōdo principles of humility, accessibility, and reliance on faith. ABOUT THE ARTIST Ohtsu Kazuyuki (b. 1935, Gunma Prefecture) is a Japanese woodblock printmaker whose career bridges postwar modernism and a sustained commitment to traditional technique. In 1958, he became an assistant to Saitō Kiyoshi, one of the most influential figures in modern Japanese woodblock printmaking. During his years with Saitō, Ohtsu participated in major exhibitions and refined his technical command through close collaboration, an experience that proved formative to his artistic outlook. Ohtsu’s work bears an evident affinity with Saitō’s quiet, pared-down sensibility—particularly in its emphasis on rural settings and seasonal atmosphere—yet it evolved into a distinctly personal mode of expression. His prints typically depict tranquil countryside scenes, often in winter or transitional seasons, rendered with restrained yet distinct color, minimal line, and carefully balanced compositions. His imagery favors stillness, equipoise, and a resonant sense of place. Technically, Ohtsu works confidently within the woodblock tradition, maintaining close control over carving and printing. The physical qualities of the block—grain, pressure, and surface—remain integral to the image, reinforcing the handmade character of his work. Editions are generally modest, reflecting a studio-based practice grounded in craft. Following Saitō Kiyoshi’s death in 1997, Ohtsu emerged as a fully independent artist and has since held numerous solo exhibitions throughout Japan. Over several decades, he has established a reputation for consistency, technical assurance, and quiet authority. His prints are held in Japanese public and private collections and are increasingly appreciated by international collectors drawn to postwar Japanese woodblock printmaking that values restraint, atmosphere, and enduring craftsmanship.
  • Creator:
    Ohtsu Kazuyuki (1935, Japanese)
  • Creation Year:
    2012
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 20.82 in (52.89 cm)
  • Medium:
    Woodcut
  • Period:
    2010-
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU532317471172