Mon, Without A Word Photo

Photographer's Note

This gate found in the garden of temple Naka-in has stayed closed for as long as I have known of its existence. I do not know what lies beyond this gate. But this gate, as a part of the larger garden, plays an essential role as a separation of what is a public and what is a private part of the garden. Minimalist in its construction and its appearance the gate speaks of its long history. One day it will open its doors and will reveal its stories. But for the given moment the gate stays forever closed like someone who has closed his mouth and refuses to speak. Mon (Gate) is a global language. Just like a smile on someone's face, an open gate to us is a sign of welcoming, a smile. On the other hand, a closed gate is a sign of rejection.

This temple Naka-in (built in 828 A.D) was the former centre and the head of a much larger tri-partite complex called Muryoju-temple. Nan-in (Southern compound) has long ago disappeared; the temple at Kita-in (Northern compound) much favoured by the Tokugawa regime (Edo period, 1603-1868), still exists with its most glorious history. The relationship between Naka-in and Kita-in has not been very good since Naka-in lost its prestige at the beginning of the Tokugawa era. Somehow to me this gate symbolises its history and its past. The gate speaks without a word; the silence is the only way this gate communicates with us. However its existence always intrigued me, I would be most curious to find out what others think of this Mon.

ikeharel, yanastallerova, jlbrthnn, Kofman, jhm, lakshmip1949, chanteuse, delpeoples, danos, Cricri, Angshu ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

lousat (138655) 2012-01-23 8:32

Salut Nobu,la porte du mystere,qu'est qu'il y a derriere elle? Une photo tres simple mais tres interessante et une partie essentielle de ce temple,excellente capture dans une lumiere pas facile et magnifiques details aussi.Belle soiree' et merci,Luciano

jlbrthnn (76043) 2012-01-23 10:09

Hello Nobu,
The picture is full of mystery, describing a door currently inhospitable. The composition is remarkable and simple at once. I love the light and colors. The sharpness is excellent. bravo.
Have a nice day
Best regards.
Joël

mauro61 (53411) 2012-01-23 14:16

ciao Nobu,
come dice l'amico Luciano... un angolo pieno di mistero.
La luce filtra tra le fogie sulla vecchia architettura in legno regalando una immagine senza tempo,
complimenti
maurizio

jhm (211734) 2012-01-24 2:59

Hello Nobu,

You play wonderful with light between the green leaves.
Simple picture, but attractive through the soft colors and excellent composition.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John

lakshmip1949 (19081) 2012-01-24 3:13

Hello Nobu,

It is so interesting to read your notes which actually speak about the images. Yes, closed gates always stir curiosity. It is human nature to unfold the curiosity. Like this simple elegant shot with lots of greenery at the top. The gate looks old but well maintained. It is definitely a nice place for a nice stroll. I can smell fresh air. Very sharp image with soft colors.

Regards,

Lakshmi

chanteuse (210) 2012-01-24 18:52

A beautiful silence. The sun through the leaves holds the promise of a smile!
Well done, Nobu, and very thought-provoking. I think we need to know more about Tokugawa and Naka-in to understand what has led to this silence...

delpeoples (60342) 2012-01-25 0:00

Salut mon cher Nocbuccio-san

A very mysterious scene, the closed gate accentuates the mystery and sanctity of a place like this. Your Note is very interesting, the light is ethereal and the simplicity of the photo makes us want to know more of what lies behind the closed gate. Excellent shot and clever note.

Merci pour le partage et belle journee
Lisuzza

danos (110407) 2012-01-25 0:32

Hello Nobu,
this wooden door must a great invitation to someone to explore the interior place of it.I like the presentation as the backdrop,with the rich greenery to almost cover it,and the light and the colour management, to complete perfect the beauty of the place.

Regards,Danos

sacimar (38173) 2012-01-25 6:07

Hello Nobu,

I like the light in this image, the trees on the top are beautiful and helps to the composition of this old gate, well seen,

Best regards,

Sergio

Cricri (176) 2012-01-26 5:03

Hi Nobu
Très jolie note sur cette porte a la fois mystérieuse et silencieuse, il semble un endroit de paix!!! j'aime la lumière dans le feuillages, la netteté et le cadrage, une belle composition
Belle journée
cricri

Angshu (56760) 2012-01-26 21:08

Hello dear Nobu-san!
One of the rarities in your gallery...a picture from your native country! :-)
Tne vertical framing works well with the foliage covering the top half of the frame. the lit up greens contrast well with the cold shade of grey.
Liked reading your informative note about this 'forbidden' temple'...
Best Regards Nobu-san & have a great week-end
Angshuman

batalay (41261) 2012-01-30 10:17

Hello Nobu,

Your engaging note complements the minimalist photo. The walls and buildings, it appears, have been maintained in pristine condition for a complex this old. I like very much the subdued colors of the walls, amidst the lush green of the foliage.

Warm regards, Nobu,

Bulent

ikeharel (112475) 2012-02-02 1:47

Hi Nobu,
I like the green foliage dominating this picture.
Fine abd clear details collected, simple yet a nice take.
Title ? you had written lot for a "without" word.
An interesting note though.
Regards
Ike

Disabled_A (0) 2012-02-08 14:12

Dear Nobu,
I'm sorry I haven't visited your gallery for a while, but I do so whenever I can!
I read the Note to this photo with interest. As always, the Note is part of what you show to us in your photo.
I agree with you concerning the closed gate and the comparison with a smile. It is like signs which we must learn to understand!
I like this simple view and an excellent vertical composition: every detail is in very good balance with one another.
The mood of the place is quiet, the place looks reserved and bears a bit of mystery. I wish I could see what is there behind the closed gate!

kindest regards and best wishes,
Elena

Afsanehbagheri (3228) 2012-02-15 9:32