Autumn Leaves at Natadera Temple (那谷寺紅葉) Edition 2/200 - woodblockprint - Ido masao 井堂雅夫 (1945-2016) - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

This woodblock print titled "Autumn Leaves at Natadera Temple" is by Ido Masao (1945–2016), a Japanese artist active during the Shōwa period (1926–1989). Woodblock printing, or ukiyo-e, is a traditional Japanese art form involving carving images into wood blocks, which are then inked and pressed onto paper to produce multiple copies of artwork. Natadera Temple, famed for its beautiful autumn foliage, provides a quintessential seasonal subject celebrating Japan's deep appreciation of nature. The depiction of autumn leaves often symbolizes impermanence and the transient beauty of life, themes prevalent in Japanese aesthetics. As an editioned print (2/200), it highlights modern approaches to traditional methods, combining refined craftsmanship with contemporary production. Ido Masao's work sustains the legacy of woodblock printing, blending meticulous technique with evocative imagery that resonates with both historical and modern audiences.