Shirakawa (Ruins of a Collection Station), From Oku no hosomichi series. "Oku no hosomichi" meaning "Narrow road to/of the interior".  The unique composition. Printed on special watermarked paper, "Jun. Sekino". Title "Shirakawa" in the lower right edge of the image. Artist's red seal "Seki" is also in the lower right corner of the image. The stone monument says "Kokanseki" . Very large size print. Nice strong colors. This print has a very spiritual mood. 

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 21 and 1/4 by 16 and 3/4 inches (54 x 42.5 cm)
Image size: 17 and 7/8 by 13 inches (45.5 x 33 cm)
Sheet number: 21/128
Date: 1984
Signed: Hand-signed "Jun Sekino" on the bottom margin
Condition: Very good condition. Very minor paper crease on the top margin which will be easily matted out. Very tiny paper piece residue on the lower right corner of verso.

Stone monument "Kokanseki"

Ancient Shirakawa barrier is a historic place and is located about 10 km south of Shirakawa city. It was set up in the 5th century. At that time, there were different ethnic groups in northern Japan. But the Japanese government was expanding its territory to the north. This barrier was built on the main route for protection from the groups. After that, the Japanese government had occupied the whole Tohoku District, then this barrier had felt into desuetude completely. But some of heroes or intellectuals in various periods in history visited here because this legendary site had been the only entrance to Tohoku District. Over time, the remains had been lost completely. In 1800, Sadanobu Matsudaira, the lord of Shirakawa Domain, confirmed the exact location by the study of various historical documents. He built a stone monument at that place. Now there are only the stone monument, Shirakawa Shrine built-in 771, and some landmarks of buildings and moats. 

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