Nishinokyō, Nara

This piece depicts the street leading to Tōshōdai-ji Temple in the district of Nishinokyō, Nara. The red structure in view is the temple’s sanmon gate, an important element of Japanese Buddhist temples. Saitō simplifies the scene, reducing buildings, telephone poles, and even shadows to geometric shapes. This print was produced in 1971, the same year Saitō was exhibiting his art in California and Detroit.