Details

In Kōzan-ji (D), Kiyoshi Saito offers a deeply atmospheric interpretation of the famed Kōzan-ji temple, nestled in the misty hills of Kyoto. Here, Saito pares the scene down to its elemental forms—crisp architectural lines, stark trees stripped of leaves, and a gently curving white wall that seems to breathe against the darkened ground. The muted palette of blacks, greys, ochres, and soft reds is punctuated by the rhythmic verticality of tree trunks, which lend the composition both structure and a quiet, haunting vitality.

The wood grain’s textural richness is highlighted throughout the design, creating a layered, tactile surface that complements the profound stillness of the image. The winding path leading toward the temple gate invites the viewer’s eye forward, yet the path’s shaded mystery holds one at a respectful, contemplative distance. The spirit of the place—a designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic significance and its ancient sekisui (stone architecture)—is rendered not with literal realism, but with emotional and spiritual resonance.

Connoisseur's Note

Kōzan-ji (D) reflects Kiyoshi Saito’s lifelong devotion to depicting the soul of Japan’s sacred and rural landscapes. His work often channels the traditional aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi—the celebration of impermanence, humility, and simple beauty.

In this print, the stillness of the scene invites a meditative gaze, where beauty lies in subtle contrasts and the silent testimony of natural aging. The curving wall and stark branches lead the eye gently through the composition, offering a profound sense of intimacy with the historic temple grounds.