TOKYO, Dec 12 (News On Japan) –
Renowned ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige’s depictions of Edo have change into the main focus of a journey retracing the historic landmarks captured in his works.
The expedition, led by Sato, a tv newscaster, and Watanabe, a curator from the Tanaka Memorial Art Museum in Shibuya, reveals the enduring connection between the Edo interval and trendy Tokyo.
Their first cease is Nihonbashi, a hub of commerce throughout the Edo period and the place to begin for Japan’s 5 main roads. Hiroshige often illustrated this bustling location, typically with Mount Fuji within the background. Today, whereas a lot has modified, remnants of Edo’s energetic streetscape stay. “The area was once alive with merchants carrying fish from Edo Bay,” defined Watanabe, emphasizing the historic significance of the location.
The journey continues to Oji Shrine in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, a shrine with a historical past spanning over 1,000 years. The shrine, lengthy related to prosperity and success, was additionally visited by Tokugawa shoguns. Watanabe highlights one in all Hiroshige’s works that includes the dual peaks of Mount Tsukuba as seen from the shrine’s grounds. “It’s remarkable how little this site has changed,” famous Sato, evaluating the portray to the present-day view.
The last vacation spot is the Oji Inari Shrine, famed for a folkloric story involving foxes gathering below a big enoki tree on New Year’s Eve. Hiroshige depicted this legendary occasion in his art work, mixing fantasy with the Edo panorama. While the unique tree not stands, a third-generation enoki and a commemorative monument preserve the legend alive. “The connection between folklore and the physical location makes this painting even more enchanting,” stated Watanabe.
The journey highlights how Hiroshige’s artwork continues to resonate, bridging the previous and current. Watanabe’s lately printed ebook, providing insights into the real-life inspirations behind Hiroshige’s works, is now accessible for these wanting to embark on their very own exploration of Edo’s enduring magnificence.
Source: ANN