Fu Takenaka – Kinkaku-ji Temple in Late Winter

Original woodblock print, numbered 133/200. The first edition of this design was published in the Heisei period (1989 – 2019). The current print was printed in 2022.

The print shows the Kinkaku-ji in late winter, with the winter surroundings enhancing its already majestic beauty. It is in Fu Takenaka’s typical style, with comparatively less strong borders and outlines. The temple has been depicted much more often by woodblock artists, and it is a testament to the richness of the art the depictions never lose their intrigue. Fu Takenaka succeeded here as well with her print being unlike any other, in what might be one of her best designs.

Normally all prints from an edition of 200 would be very similar, but for this design three variations exist. The lowest numbers were printed by Fu Takenaka herself and were printed quite strongly. The mid-numbers were printed by Fu Takenaka herself as well, but during her illness late in life and were printed much less strongly and as such provide a very different atmosphere. The higher numbers were printed posthumously by publisher Unsodo, who used to publish the lifetime editions as well.

The current print, being from the posthumous edition, was printed again using strong colors.

Image size (excluding margins): 32.4 * 21.9 cm (12.8 * 8.6 in).

The print is in excellent condition.

The pictures shown here are from the print itself.

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Fu Takenaka (1945 – 2022) was a successful woodblock print artist. She had a background in design, fashion and fabric, and transitioned to woodblock printing later in life. Her favorite themes were temples in and around Kyoto and owls. She depicted these in a dreamlike style, very distinct from other Japanese woodblock print artists.

Fu Takenaka collaborated with the Kyoto based woodblock print publisher Unsodo, but designed, carved and printed the works herself, from start to finish. They were published in limited editions, hand-signed and numbered in pencil. Since her passing Unsodo has started to complete her limited editions. Currently we have both the first of these as well as a number of remaining life-time editions on offer.

See an overview of Fu Takenaka's woodblock prints