Tokuriki Tomikichirō – 徳力富吉郎 – (1902-1999) – Kashihara-Jingū Shrine – 橿原神宮 – 1941

One of the younger shrines in Japan, Kashihara-Jingū was built in 1890 with the blessings of Emperor Meiji because it was proposed on the site of the legendary Kashihara-gū, where Japan’s first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu, is said to have ascended to the throne on February 11, 660 BCE. In Japan there is great reverence for historical sites and the presence of ancient spirits. This was followed with a visit and reverence from Emperor Shōwa in 1940, leading to visits from approximately 10 million people that year. It’s popularity as a preferred shrine for prayer continues to this day and it was visited by Emperor Akihito and his wife, the Empress, in 2016.

Tomikichirō created prints from start to finish in his own workshop (Sōsaku-hanga), but also earned a living with Shin-hanga (collaborative efforts overseen by publishers). Born in Kyōto, he was a graduate of the School of Fine Arts and Crafts. He is fairly well known in the west. This piece is from a limited edition produced in 1941. The last picture shows the torii gate as it is today. Excellent condition (one small cut corner top left that will not be visible when framed). Rich pigments. Expertly hand-printed one colour at a time by one of the top master-printers of the day. *Please click the top left corner of the picture a second time to enlarge it further.

10.25″ x 15.5″ (image size) – $300 CAD – Free shipping worldwide! Comes with a signed and sealed document of authenticity and approximately 3 hours worth of further reading and documentary viewing (via email). All prices in Canadian dollars.