The Attic

© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Hônen-in (Mizuno)

This temple was built in the Edo period (roughly 1600-1850) to honour Hônen, who was a much earlier Buddhist teacher. This is the central court, the "yard" of the temple head (not quite literally a yard, but hôjô, a square of side ten Japanese feet); the bridge over the pond symbolises the interval between "this world" and "the other world". The rooms we see feature some spectacular screen paintings, and are sometimes used as a venue for concerts.

What does the name mean?

law

thus

temple

Sorry: the gloss is rather mysterious, but after all, it is a personal name.

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued February 2018
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10315 (1000-315 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Kôdai-ji (Mizuno)

An unimaginable amount of effort goes into making the rocks in this garden look as though they got where they are naturally!

What does the name mean?

high

stand

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued November 2017
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10318 (1000-318 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Ginkaku-ji (Mizuno)

Built in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this was intended to be the silver counterpart to the even more famous Kinkaku-ji ("Gold pavilion"), but somehow they never got round to putting the silver foil on, so it's just wood. The "Silver pavilion" is really a nickname, and officially the temple is called Tôzan-jishô-ji.

What does the name mean?

silver

pavilion

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

This temple is very famous: just do a Google search for 'ginkakuji' to find out lots more about it.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued November 2017
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10334 (1000-334 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Myôman-ji (Mizuno)

An elegant bridge in the approach to the main gate crosses an azalea-fringed pond. Although founded in the ancient Muromachi period (roughly 1400s), this temple moved to its current site as recently as 1966. Whereas in Europe much fuss is made over castles and similar monuments being the original pile of stones, the famous wooden buildings of Japan have normally been rebuilt at regular intervals.

What does the name mean?

mystery

full

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10335 (1000-335 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Yoshimine-dera (Mizuno)

Originally built in 1029, this temple stands on a steep mountainside to the west of the city of Kyoto. These globular trimmed azaleas are a common feature of Japanese gardens - and this is a splendid example of a Japanese wall, too. (Read my page on walls.)

What does the name mean?

good

peak

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10336 (1000-336 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Shinsen-en (Mizuno)

This garden was originally constructed at the same time as the fortifications of the old capital (Heian period: around 800 AD), taking its name from a spring on the site. The graceful simplicity of the arch is a timeless reminder of past glory.

What does the name mean?

god

spring

garden

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10337 (1000-337 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Konpuku-ji (Mizuno)

This ancient temple fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1684-88. We see here not the main temple, but Bashô-an, a simple building for contemplation or whatever, which is just one of the many places visited by the famous travelling poet Basho (1644-1694). His peregrinations around Japan and poems in praise of the wonders of nature make him a sort of Japanese predecessor to Wordsworth.

What does the name mean?

gold

fortune

temple

Ba-

sho's

retreat

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10348 (1000-348 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Ryôan-ji (Mizuno)

Autumn leaves form a canopy over the paved approach to Ryôanji, the temple founded in 1450 which is the home of the famous raked pebble garden.

What does the name mean?

dragon

repose

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10349 (1000-349 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Kôdai-ji (Mizuno)

Neatly trimmed azalea bushes provide a colour contrast with the building housing the living quarters for this temple.

What does the name mean?

high

stand

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 500 pieces; 380 x 530 mm (15" x 21")
Code: A05172 (500-172 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Pathway, Hônen-in (Mizuno)

Though subdued in mood, this is a vibrant photograph. It appears to be early summer, and the rain-soaked flagstones emphasise the lush foliage. The wide range of textures will prevent this from being tedious as a puzzle, and it would make a wonderful picture for the wall.

What does the name mean?

law

thus

temple

Sorry: the gloss is rather mysterious, but after all, it is a personal name.

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 500 pieces; 380 x 530 mm (15" x 21")
Code: A05175 (500-175 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Iris pond, Ryôan-ji (Mizuno)

This temple, founded in 1450, is best known for the raked pebble garden, but also has very beautiful more conventional gardens. This spring profusion of irises and lotus blossoms is said to have been the model for Monet's impressionist pond paintings.

What does the name mean?

dragon

repose

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 500 pieces; 380 x 530 mm (15" x 21")
Code: A05186 (500-186 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Kiyomizu Temple with maples (Mizuno)

Seen through the maples: the top of the pagoda at this very famous Kyoto temple. The original temple is said to have been founded more than 1200 years ago, but most of the present structure dates from the 1600s.

What does the name mean?

pure

water

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B73149 (73-149 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Kôdai-ji pebble garden (Mizuno)

Another of the "dry" pebble gardens of Kyoto. The lighting on the cherry blossom and gravel makes a striking image, full of the textural variation that makes a puzzle interesting.

What does the name mean?

high

stand

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B73152 (73-152 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

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