This work depicts the scenery of Mikuni-toge Pass on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures. The work was exhibited in the Eighth Seiyo-kai Exhibition held in 1960 at Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Another work of the same title, Golden Glow, shown in the “Fourth New Nitten Exhibition” in 1961, is often regarded as one of Higashiyama Kaii’s signature works. The New Nitten work remarkably composes the silhouette of the trees standing on the right, whereas the present work adopts a distanced viewpoint, generating an unusual perspective that guides the viewer to the top of the pass. Kaii focuses on the faithful depiction of the yellow foliage, representing the natural and splendor beauty of the Mikuni-toge Pass. Looking closely at the work, the viewer can even hear the sublime symphony of the woods in the breeze.

Higashiyama Kaii (nihonga painter; 1908–1999)
Kanagawa-born nihonga painter. His real name is Shinkichi. A student of Yuki Somei at Tokyo School of Fine Arts. In 1947, his work, Zansho, was given the tokusen (special prize that grants entry without examination in the following year) at Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). His refined techniques and the manner on depicting the feelings of nostalgia towards the lands he rooted earned him high recognition in the art world. His mural paintings in Miei-do at Toshodai-ji Temple are regarded as his signature works and highly praised. Director of Nitten. The Japan Art Academy member. Designated a Person of Cultural Merit, and received the Order of Culture.