I was about to mention
Moribito, but you beat me to it. I think the
first episode is one of the most beautiful, and best-paced, episodes of televised anime I have ever seen. From the opening walk alongside the rice paddies, to the river rescue, to the sumptuous scenes in the palace, every frame represents a level of artistry uncommon in anime made for television. It also has that Production I.G "sheen" which seems to characterize much of their work. Another good example of this style is the studio's
Real Drive.