Teruhide Kato (加藤晃秀, 1936–2015)

Teruhide Kato was born in Kyoto in 1936 and trained in Japanese painting at Kyoto Art University (often rendered “Kyoto Art College” in English). He first built a successful career as a designer in the kimono world—especially obi design—before pivoting to woodblock prints around age 50. His Kyoto views quickly found an audience in Japan and abroad; a New York show and the book “Kyoto Romance” helped establish his international reputation. He continued producing prints—collaborating with traditional carvers and printers—until his death in 2015.

woodblock print titled "Senbon Torii" (A Thousand Torii Gates) by the Japanese artist Teruhide Kato.

    •    The artwork showcases the iconic vermillion torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.

    •    Teruhide Kato (1936-2005) was a prominent shin-hanga (new prints) artist known for his landscape woodblock prints.

    •    "Senbon Torii" is one of his most recognized pieces, capturing the seemingly endless tunnel of torii gates leading up Mount Inari.

    •    The print's perspective emphasizes the depth and scale of the shrine's pathway, a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.