

竹笹堂
Handrail woodblock print | Ishibe Koji | Written by Kenji Takenaka | Kyoto Interior Art | Takesasado
An elegant moment at “Ishibekoji”, which embodies the scenery of Kyoto
A narrow alley called Ishibekoji is located near Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
The streets are paved with cobblestones, and the streets are lined with townhouses on both sides, giving it a calm Kyoto-like atmosphere.
This woodblock print is a series depicting the daily scenery of Kyoto, framed by outline lines.
The “warm presence” of hand-printed woodblock prints
"Handrail woodblock print" by Takezasado, a long-established store in Kyoto. Using traditional hand-printed woodblock printing techniques, each piece is carefully printed, giving it a one-of-a-kind feel that you won't find anywhere else.
The size is slightly larger than a postcard. It looks great on a tabletop or in a small space, so it will look great no matter where you place it, such as the living room, entryway, or hallway.
[Recommended for these people]
・People who love Kyoto, Japanese culture, and Japanese modernity
・Those who want to enjoy traditional woodblock prints in a compact manner
・Those who want to add depth and story to their space
By displaying it in your room, you can make your everyday space feel as rich as a travel destination. Every time you look at it, you will feel as if you are walking down a night street in Kyoto.
Also makes a special gift
The theme of Kyoto's alleys itself is an art piece that conveys a deep respect for Japanese culture. A thoughtful and special gift such as a housewarming gift, wedding gift, or moving gift.It's also perfect for
About the material
The woodblock prints are made using white washi paper with a smooth surface. It is a material suitable for woodblock prints as it has good color and durability.
It is drawn using a traditional printing technique called ``handrail woodblock print'', in which a pattern carved into wood is colored onto paper one color at a time.
Woodblock print artist Kenji Takenaka

Mr. Kenji Takenaka, the creator of Ishibekoji, is the fifth generation of Takenaka woodblock printing.. From an early age, he was taught by the current head of the family, Seihachi Takenaka, and learned the technique of woodblock printing.
He captures his subjects with bold compositions and colors, and has a unique worldview with simple yet profound expressions.
He holds exhibitions around Kyoto and other places, and not only creates works, but also proposes new ways to enjoy woodblock prints, such as providing designs using woodblock prints to companies.
Some of his works are in the collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Honolulu Museum of Art, and he is actively working both in Japan and abroad, deepening exchanges through local workshops and woodblock prints.
(Image provided by Takezasado)
About the brand “Takezasado”

Takenaka Woodblock was founded in Kyoto in 1891, and for over 130 years has inherited a variety of Kyoto print techniques from Japanese painting reproductions to commercial printing.
The current owner, Seihachi Takenaka, researches old techniques and passes them on to younger generations, while the fifth generation, Kenji Takenaka, establishes Takezasado, creating new work and selling woodblock prints and paper stationery at the store.
The sixth generation, Yuko Harada, gained popularity for her designs that combined tradition and modernity, and Takezasado grew.
Currently, we are working on product packaging that utilizes woodblock prints and the restoration of old prints, and are constantly pursuing new possibilities.
(Image provided by Takezasado)
[Size]
Image: Height approx. 15.5cm x Width approx. 10cm
Paper: Height approx. 19cm x Width approx. 13.5cm
[Notes]
・The frame is not included.
・You cannot specify the edition number.
-Due to lighting, the color of the product may differ between the published image and the actual product.
