Jingoji, 1972

Etching

13 1/8 x 20 3/8 inches (33.3 x 51.8 cm)

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of Ann E. and
Donald W. McPhail, 2012

2012-25-71

Jingoji, a Shingon Buddhist temple in the mountainous region northwest of Kyoto, awaits its visitors at the top of a stone staircase. Viewers of this etching are transported to a place known for its brilliant autumnal colors. Yet, rather than add red, yellow, and green to his monochromatic design, Tanaka employs texture to suggest diverse foliage. The leaves that frame Jingoji are dark, linear dashes; lighter, rounded loops; and medium-toned patches of cross-hatching.

Kendra Grimmett