An Elegant Moment in "Ishibei Koji," Embracing the Scenery of Kyoto

Ishibei Koji is a narrow alley located near Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
The path is paved with stone, and traditional townhouses line both sides, preserving a calm, Kyoto-esque atmosphere to this day.

This woodblock print is part of a series depicting everyday Kyoto scenes, outlined with contour lines.

The "Warm Presence" of Hand-Printed Woodblock Prints
"Hand-printed woodblock prints" from the long-established Kyoto studio, Takezasado. Using traditional hand-printing woodblock techniques, each print is carefully made one by one, allowing you to enjoy a unique, one-of-a-kind texture.

The size is slightly larger than a postcard. It stands out even on a desk or in a small space, making it a perfect fit for any location, such as the living room, entryway, or hallway.

【Recommended for】
- Those who love Kyoto, Japanese culture, and Japanese modern style.
- Those who want to enjoy traditional woodblock printing techniques in a compact format.
- Those who want to add depth and a sense of story to their space.

By displaying it in your room, your everyday space will transform into a rich experience, like being on a journey. Each time you gaze at it, you will feel a rich moment, as if walking down a Kyoto night street.

Also Perfect as a Special Gift
The theme of Kyoto's alleys itself is art that evokes deep respect for Japanese culture. It is also perfect as a heartfelt, special gift for occasions such as housewarmings, wedding celebrations, or moving gifts.

About the Materials
For the woodblock prints, smooth, white Japanese paper is used for the surface. It has good color development and durability, making it a suitable material for woodblock printing.

It is created using "hand-printed woodblock printing," a traditional printing technique where colors are applied to paper one by one from a design carved into wood.

Woodblock Artist Kenji Takenaka

Kenji Takenaka, the creator of Ishibei Koji, is the fifth-generation head of Takenaka Mokuhan. He learned the techniques of woodblock printing under the tutelage of the current head, Kiyohachi Takenaka, from a young age.
He captures subjects with bold compositions and colors, possessing a unique worldview expressed through simple yet profound depictions.
He holds exhibitions in various locations, primarily in Kyoto, and not only creates artworks but also proposes new ways to enjoy woodblock prints by providing designs using woodblock prints to companies.
Some of his works are housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Honolulu Museum of Art, where he deepens cultural exchange through workshops and woodblock printing, actively working both domestically and internationally.
(Image provided by Takezasado)

About the Brand "Takezasado"

Takenaka Mokuhan was founded in Kyoto in 1891 and has inherited diverse Kyoto printmaking techniques for over 130 years, from the reproduction of Japanese paintings to commercial printing.
The current head, Kiyohachi Takenaka, researches old techniques and passes them on to younger generations. The fifth generation, Kenji Takenaka, established Takezasado, creating new ventures and selling woodblock prints and paper stationery in stores.
The sixth generation, Yuko Harada, gained popularity with designs that fuse tradition and modernity, leading to the growth of Takezasado.
Currently, they also handle product packaging utilizing woodblock prints and restoration of old woodblocks, constantly pursuing new possibilities.
(Image provided by Takezasado)

【Size】
Image: Approximately 15.5 cm (height) x 10 cm (width)
Paper: Approximately 19 cm (height) x 13.5 cm (width)

【Notes】
- Frame is not included.
- You cannot specify the edition number.
- Due to lighting conditions, the color of the product may differ from the image shown and the actual product.