Garden Syugaku-In [Shugakuin] by Kiyoshi Saito

The artwork, titled “Garden Syugaku-In [Shugakuin],” is a creation by the artist Kiyoshi Saito, associated with the Sōsaku hanga art movement. This piece belongs to the landscape genre.

The composition of the artwork showcases a stylized interpretation of a garden scene, employing a minimalist and abstract approach typical of Sōsaku hanga. Dominant features include flat, bold shapes and a limited color palette which consist of earthy browns, blacks, greys, and dusky blues and golds. The arrangement of elements, such as stacked stones and a stone lantern, captures the tranquil and structured aesthetic of traditional Japanese gardens. The utilization of contrasting textures and simplified forms draws attention to the interplay between nature and human-crafted elements, portraying a harmonious composition that reflects the serene beauty of Shugakuin Imperial Villa gardens.