Vintage Japanese Original Print Limited Ed. Framed 21x17 Buddhist Sanmon Temple Gate LS#039

Unknown Japanese Artist — Temple Gate (undated), in frame 17"x21"

A finely detailed etching of a Buddhist temple gate seen head-on, the tiled roof and timber joinery rendered with architectural precision. Through the opening a stone path leads to the inner hall; foliage and a guardian figure flank the entrance. The subject is the sanmon—the principal gate of a Buddhist temple—long regarded as the threshold between the secular world and the sacred precinct. Many temples bear mountain names such as Rurikōzan (瑠璃光山) on their plaques, a traditional naming practice seen across Japan.

Printed in intaglio, the plate combines crisp etched line with tonal passages suggestive of light across thatch, wood, and stone. Etching incises the drawing into a metal plate, while aquatint (if used) creates soft grain and wash-like effects; edition numbers such as 301/400 indicate the individual impression and the total number printed in the edition. 

Details

• Artist: Unknown (signed in pencil; name not identified)

• Title/Subject: Temple Gate

• Medium: Etching (intaglio on paper)

• Date: Undated (20th/21st century)

• Image size: 10 × 14 1/4 in (plus margins)

• Edition: 301/400 (limited edition)

• Signature/Marks: Pencil signature at lower right; edition number at lower left

• Condition: Excellent