Golden Pavilion In Kyoto

Eiichi Kotozuka

Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is a three story Buddhist temple situated in Kyoto, Japan. It gets its name from the gold leaf that coats the outside of the top two stories, symbolizing purification from negative thoughts and fear of death. The grounds of the pavillion feature a strolling garden, reflection pond, and fishing pier.

Originally built as a villa for the Japanese statesman Sainki Kintsuni in the 14th century, it was purchased by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, and then posthumously converted by his son into a Zen temple in the early 15th century. All of the buildings in the complex aside from the Golden Temple burned down in the Onin War (1467-1477), and in 1950 a monk burned the temple to the ground.

After being rebuilt as an exact copy of the original five years later, the temple's popularity soared and it continues to host thousands of visitors each year. It has been a focal point for many artists throughout time, as well. Here, Eiichi Kotozuka depicts the temple from the opposite shore of the reflecting pond, on what appears to be a spring day featuring a pale blue sky and tender new grass. His printmaking technique has a painterly quality, lending a softness to the scene.