Okaramon gate is the beautiful, ornate entrance to the Toshogu shrine in Nikko. “Okara-mon” literally translates as Chinese Gate. In the print, visitors to the shrine stroll under the arch and massive trees rise on the temple grounds beyond.  This type of gate known as Karamon is often seen in Japanese architecture. It is characterized by the usage of karahafu, an undulating bargeboard peculiar to Japan. Karamon are often used at the entrances of Japanese castles, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and have historically been a symbol of authority. The Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.  It is part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This print is chuban size.  There is some adhesive residue on reverse top and bottom right corner causing some puckering to the paper in those corners.