Details

In this print, we are presented with a mesmerizing view of the majestic Phoenix Hall, standing resplendent amidst a tranquil winter landscape. The temple's grandeur is strikingly depicted as it presides over a serene pool of still water, its elegant silhouette mirrored in the calm surface below. A pristine blanket of snow envelops the temple grounds, accentuating the intricate details of the ornate roofs and the surrounding scenery. Against the backdrop of a muted gray sky, delicate snowflakes descend gently, casting a serene ambiance over the scene. As the soft light of dusk bathes the landscape in a subtle blue hue, the tranquility of the moment is palpable, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this timeless winter vista.

Connoisseur's Note

The print bears the publisher’s round 6mm seal at the lower right margin, indicating it is a first-state. As such, it showcases the highest level of craftsmanship from Watanabe's workshop. Notice the skillful bokashi on the bluish hue in the snow and in the background sky, as well as the circular barren effects throughout the composition. The razor-sharp impression, combined with these printing embellishments, exemplifies the pinnacle of print production in 20th-century Japan.