Handrail Woodblock Prints | Ishibe Koji | Written by Takenaka Kenji | Kyoto Interior Art | Takesasado

An elegant moment in Ishibekoji, a place that illustrates the scenery of Kyoto

A narrow alley called Ishibekoji, located near Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

The road is covered with cobblestones, and the calm Kyoto-like atmosphere is still retained today, with a row of townhouses lined up on both sides.

This woodblock print is a series that depicts everyday life in Kyoto, framed with outlines.

"Warm presence" of hand-printed woodblock prints

"Handrail Woodblock Prints" by Takesasado, a long-established Kyoto company. Using traditional woodblock techniques, each piece is carefully printed, allowing you to enjoy a unique texture that is unlike any other.

The size is slightly larger than a postcard. It stands out on tabletops or small spaces, so it looks great anywhere you place it in the living room, entrance, or hallway.

[Recommended for those who:

・For those who love Kyoto and love Japanese culture and modern Japanese

・For those who want to enjoy woodblock prints using traditional techniques in a compact manner

・For those who want to add depth and story to the space

By decorating your room, your everyday space will become richer than a travel destination. Every time you look at it, you can feel a rich moment like walking along a night road in Kyoto.

Also great as a special gift

The theme of Kyoto's path itself gives a deep sense of respect for Japanese culture. Special heartfelt gifts such as housewarming, wedding gifts, and moving giftsIt's also perfect for.

About the materials

Woodblock prints use white washi paper with a smooth surface. It has good color development and durability, making it a material suitable for woodblock printing. 

It is painted using a traditional printing technique called "handrail woodcut," in which patterns carved on wood are colored onto paper in each color.

Woodblock Artist Takenaka Kenji

Takenaka Kenji, creator of Ishibekoji, is the fifth generation of Takenaka Woodblock.. He was taught by the current head of the family Takenaka Kiyohachi from a young age and acquired the techniques of woodblock printing.

It captures the subject with bold compositions and colors, and has a unique worldview with simple and deep expressions.

Exhibitions are held in various locations, mainly in Kyoto, and propose new ways to enjoy woodblock prints, not only creating works but also providing designs using woodblock prints to companies.

Some of his works are held at the Boston Museum of Art and Honolulu Museum of Art, and deepen his interactions through local workshops and woodblock prints, and he is active both in Japan and abroad. 

About the brand "Takesasado"

Founded in 1891 in Kyoto, Takenaka Woodblock has been carrying out a wide range of Kyoto print techniques, from reproductions of Japanese paintings to commercial printing for over 130 years.

The current head of the family, Takenaka Kiyohachi, studied old techniques and taught them to young people, while the fifth generation Takenaka Kenji founded Takesasado to create new jobs, and sold woodblock prints and paper stationery in stores.

The sixth generation Harada Yuko gained popularity for her designs that combine tradition and modernity, and Takesasado has grown.

Currently, he also works on restoring product packaging and old prints that make use of woodblock prints, and is constantly pursuing new possibilities.

【size】

Picture: Height approx. 15.5cm x Width approx. 10cm
Paper: Height approx. 19cm x Width approx. 13.5cm

[Notes]

- No frame is included.

- Edition numbers cannot be specified.

-Due to the amount of light, the color of the product may differ from the image shown and the actual product.