Surrounded by mountains, with no wind, with no rivers connected to it, there is a pond in which many trees are reflected onto its surface. This calm space within a mystical atmosphere is known as Mishaka Pond. Next to it lies Suwa-Taisha Shrine, which was decorated with 75 deer heads during the Ontōsai festival.

In Japan, deer, which are considered to be divine creatures, are eaten by humans and gods. In the background of a beautiful landscape exists a curious and complicated culture.
“It’s as if that pond reflects the hearts of those who gaze upon it.”

The one who said this is none other than the artist, Katsutoshi Yuasa. When he sensed the divinity of the pond and the story hidden within its landscape, Yuasa decided to make a woodblock print of this scene.

Whittling down wood, copying onto paper, many images were created and sent to a large number of people. Woodblock printing is the oldest form of printmaking, of information media. In the forefront of information media is the internet or social media, but on a different time axis, the scenery and data can be captured and completely reproduced as a realistic and beautiful woodblock painting.

This is a piece of art that reflects the hearts of onlookers in its waters.

How do you see yourself as you gaze into Mishaka Pond? Delve into this artwork with all your heart and come completely face to face with this piece.