Floating Temple of Katada 1918

Ito Shinsui made this woodblock print, Floating Temple of Katada, sometime in the 20th century. The temple hall shown here is part of the Mangetsu-ji Temple, located on Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Shinsui was a key figure in the shin-hanga movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing. This movement emphasized realism, Western perspectives, and the artist's individual expression. The temple's serene image, combined with the delicate snow falling, evokes a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature, reflecting Shinto and Buddhist values. The scene might also allude to the area's history as a popular destination for poets and artists seeking spiritual inspiration. Understanding this image means researching the history of Japanese printmaking, the shin-hanga movement, and the cultural significance of Lake Biwa, to appreciate how Shinsui both embraced and transformed tradition.