Masao Ido, Ikaruga No Sato, 1981, Woodblock Print

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Japanese prints, Art, are exempt from all U.S. import tariffs but please, do check.

Masao Ido 'Ikaruga no Sato' 1981 … Read more Japanese prints, Art, are exempt from all U.S. import tariffs but please, do check.

Masao Ido 'Ikaruga no Sato' 1981 limited edition Japanese woodblock print signed & numbered

This elegant Japanese woodblock print by Masao Ido (1945–2016) captures a tranquil pathway in the historic village of Ikaruga, located in Nara Prefecture, an area renowned for its ancient temples and preserved architectural heritage. Titled Ikaruga no Sato, the composition evokes a timeless atmosphere through masterful use of perspective, shadow, and softly layered autumnal color.

Ido’s distinctive approach—combining traditional mokuhanga woodblock techniques with a modern, almost architectural sense of space—is clearly evident. The narrow stone path, flanked by earthen walls and tiled roofs, gently leads the viewer into the scene, while dappled light and falling leaves convey quiet movement and seasonal transition. The balance between structure and serenity is a hallmark of Ido’s finest work.

Printed in 1981, this example is from a limited edition of only 150 impressions and is numbered 119/150. The artwork is hand-signed, titled, and numbered in pencil by the artist, as is customary for high-quality post-war Japanese prints intended for the collector market.

The print measures 37 × 48 cm (14.6 × 18.9 inches) and is presented on traditional Japanese paper, displaying excellent texture and depth of pigment. Condition is very good, with strong colors and crisp detail.

About the Artist

Masao Ido was one of the most respected Japanese woodblock artists of the late 20th century. Deeply influenced by the shin-hanga tradition yet firmly contemporary in vision, Ido focused primarily on architectural landscapes—temples, shrines, village streets, and historic districts throughout Japan. His works are celebrated for their calm introspection, subtle color harmonies, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Ido’s prints are held in numerous private and institutional collections worldwide and remain highly sought after for their timeless aesthetic and connection to Japan’s cultural heritage.

Japanese Woodblock Printing

Traditional Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) is a labor-intensive process involving separate hand-carved wood blocks for each color, printed sequentially by hand. This technique produces a unique surface quality and depth unattainable through mechanical printing, making each impression subtly individual. Masao Ido was a master of this demanding process, ensuring exceptional quality in both design and execution.

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