Abel Guérineau (1841-1925) Large red door and its pediment Ink and watercolor on paper depicting a samurai with his back to a traditional Japanese gate built of carved wood, with a curved tile-covered roof resting on four feet. Painted in red and black, it marks the entrance to a sacred place, such as a temple or shrine. Its elegant style reflects ancient architecture. At top right, the Indian ink inscription 向唐門平 - Mukaikaramon hira. Lower left, artist's seal. Sight size: 34.5 x 29.8 cm Framed under glass. The mukaikaramon (or mukoukaramon) is a Japanese four-legged door, characterized by its undulating gables (karahafu) at the front and back. It has a single bay and may feature an equally corrugated roof, sometimes with curved rafters called ibaradaruki. Very popular in the Momoyama period, famous examples can be found in Kyoto, such as at the Honganji and Daitokuji.