Visiting Kiyomizu Temple

Art Historical Context

"Visiting Kiyomizu" by Sugimura Ji, created around 1684–98, captures the vibrant spirit of Edo-period Japan in a hand-colored woodblock print. an impressive 30.2 45.2 cm in the large o-oban format, tan-e print exemplifies early ukiyo artistry, depicting elegant figures making a pilgrimage to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto—a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its wooden stage overlooking the city. Sugimura Jihei, a masterful printmaker of the late 17th century, contributed to the "floating world" genre, which celebrated everyday pleasures and scenic outings. Tan-e prints like this one pioneered color in woodblocks, using hand-applied pigments such as vivid reds from safflower (beni) and subtle greens, often on a single block with careful carving for texture. This technique marked a shift from monochromatic urushi-e, making art more accessible to urban audiences. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, the print offers a window into Genroku-era leisure culture, where temple visits blended spirituality with social display. Its dynamic composition invites viewers to stroll alongside kimono-clad revelers, evoking the era's harmonious blend of reverence and joy.