Elegant moments of the “Ishizaka Alley” that weaves the scenery of Kyoto
Ishizaka Alley is a narrow street near Yatsuzaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
The road surface is paved with stone slabs, with townhouses lined up on both sides, preserving the charming atmosphere unique to Kyoto even today.
These woodblock prints depict daily scenes of Kyoto, captured with fine lines.
The “Tactile Presence” of Hand-Printed Woodblock Prints
Hand-printed woodblock prints by Kakenaka Kenji of Kyoto. Using traditional hand-printing woodblock techniques, each print is carefully made one by one, allowing you to enjoy the unique texture found nowhere else.
The size is slightly larger than a postcard. Even in narrow spaces or on shelves, alcoves, etc., the prints become beautiful decorations wherever they are placed.
【Recommended for these people】
・Those who love Kyoto, Japanese culture, and Wamodan (Japanese style)
・Those who want to enjoy traditional woodblock print art as a compact piece
・Those who want to add depth and storytelling to their space
By decorating your room, everyday space becomes a rich time like a travel destination. Each time you look at it, you can feel a rich moment as if walking the night streets of Kyoto.
Also as a special gift
The theme of Kyoto’s alleys itself gives a deep respect for Japanese culture. It is perfect as a heartfelt special gift for occasions such as new house celebrations, weddings, and moving celebrations.
About the materials
The woodblock prints use white Japanese paper with a slightly textured surface. It has good color development and durability, making it an ideal material for woodblock prints.
The prints carved into the woodblock are colored on paper one color at a time using the traditional printing technique called “hand-printed woodblock print.”
Woodblock Print Artist Kenji Kakenaka
Kenji Kakenaka, the creator of Ishizaka Alley, is the fifth generation of the Kakenaka woodblock print family. He learned the woodblock printing techniques from Kakenaka Kiyohachi, the current head, since he was a child.
He captures subjects with bold compositions and colors, expressing a unique worldview with simple yet profound expressions.
He holds exhibitions in various locations centered around Kyoto, offering not only his creations but also designs using woodblock prints to companies, proposing new ways to enjoy woodblock prints.
Some of his works are housed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Honolulu Museum of Art, deepening exchanges through workshops and woodblock prints, and actively engaging intellectually both inside and outside Japan.
(Image provided by Kakenaka)
About the brand “Kakenaka-do”
Kakenaka Woodblock Prints was established in Kyoto in 1891 and has inherited various Kyoto print techniques ranging from the mass production of Japanese prints to commercial printing for over 130 years.
The current head, Kakenaka Kiyohachi, researches old techniques and teaches young craftsmen. The fifth generation, Kenji Kakenaka, founded Kakenaka-do, creating new work styles and selling woodblock prints and paper stationery at the store.
The sixth generation, Hara Yuuko, combines tradition with modern design, gaining popularity, and Kakenaka-do continues to grow.
Currently, they handle product packaging using woodblock prints and restoration of old prints, constantly pursuing new possibilities.
(Image provided by Kakenaka-do)
【Size】
Painting: Vertical approx. 15.5 cm × Horizontal approx. 10 cm
Paper: Vertical approx. 19 cm × Horizontal approx. 13.5 cm
【Notes】
・No frame is included.
・No custom editions are available.
・Due to lighting and other factors, the color of the product may differ between the displayed image and the actual product.
