Numazu: Twilight Picture, c. 1832-1833
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Francis W.Littleexpand_more 17.205.13
Not on Viewexpand_more
This print illustrates travelers approaching the town of Numasu, near Mt. Fuji, just as the full moon rises on the horizon. One of the travelers is a pilgrim journeying to (or returning from) Kompira Shrine on Shikoku Island. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Omono-nushi-no-Mikoto, a patron saint of seafarers. The shrine is located high atop Mt. Kotohira, and hence was a popular destination of <i>yamabushi</i>, wandering priests who venerate mountains. In the popular imagination, <i>yamabushi</i> became associated with <i>tengu</i>, mythical birdlike creatures that live deep in mountain forests. Hence, this print shows a pilgrim dressed in white carrying a portable shrine on his back that has been adorned with a <i>tengu</i> mask, believed to offer talismanic protection.
Details
- Title
- Numazu: Twilight Picture
- Artist Life
- 1797 - 1858
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 17.205.13
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Ukiyo-e shūka 14 (1981), Hiroshige list, p. 245, horizontal ōban #55.13
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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