Kiyoshi Saito, Horyuji Temple (Late Autumn), Sosaku-Hanga Woodblock Print, Mid-20th Century

Kiyoshi Saito “Horyuji Temple (Late Autumn)” Japanese Sosaku-Hanga Woodblock Print, Mid-20th Century

A striking and highly collectible Japanese woodblock print by celebrated artist Kiyoshi Saito (1907–1997), titled Horyuji Temple (Late Autumn). This evocative composition captures the timeless serenity of the ancient Horyu-ji Temple, rendered through Saito’s signature interplay of bold geometry, rich texture, and subtle tonal contrasts.

The scene is anchored by the architectural silhouette of the temple gate, juxtaposed with traditional village rooftops and a persimmon tree in autumnal bloom—its vivid red accents punctuating the otherwise restrained palette. This balance between abstraction and landscape is characteristic of Saito’s mature style, where form and negative space achieve a quiet, contemplative harmony.

Executed in the Sōsaku-hanga (Creative Print) tradition, this work was entirely conceived, carved, and printed by the artist himself—an approach that distinguishes Saito from earlier collaborative ukiyo-e practices. His prints are celebrated for their tactile surface quality, achieved through expressive woodgrain and layered pigment application.

Date: Circa 1950s–1960s (mid-century period; this composition is widely attributed to Saito’s mature postwar phase when his temple subjects became iconic)

Medium: Color woodblock print on paper
Dimensions:

17 x 11 inches
43.2 x 27.9 cm
Condition:
Very good overall condition, with strong color and impression. Minor creasing confined to the margins, not affecting the image—consistent with age and handling.

About the Artist

Kiyoshi Saito is widely regarded as one of the most important Japanese printmakers of the 20th century. A leading figure of the Sosaku hanga movement, he revolutionized traditional woodblock printing by insisting that the artist control every stage of production—designing, carving, and printing the work independently.

His work gained international recognition after winning a major prize at the São Paulo Biennale in 1951, marking a turning point for modern Japanese printmaking on the global stage.

Saito’s mature style is defined by:

Simplified, almost abstract compositions
Emphasis on texture and woodgrain
Subtle, earthy color palettes with bold accents
Frequent depictions of temples, rural Japan, and architectural forms
Today, his works are held in major museum collections worldwide.

About Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing

Traditional Japanese woodblock printing, or hanga, is a centuries-old technique in which an image is carved into wooden blocks, inked, and pressed onto paper.

In earlier periods (like ukiyo-e), the process involved multiple specialists:

Designer
Carver
Printer
Publisher
However, the Sōsaku-hanga movement (early–mid 20th century) transformed this model. Artists like Saito embraced a fully independent process, emphasizing personal expression over mass production.

This shift resulted in:

More experimental compositions
Visible carving marks and texture
Smaller editions and greater artistic individuality
Summary for Buyers

This print is an excellent example of Saito’s iconic temple imagery—combining modernist abstraction with deep reverence for traditional Japanese architecture. Works depicting Horyu-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, are especially desirable among collectors of postwar Japanese prints.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.

Wear consistent with age and use.