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The Shichiri Ferry Crossing at Atsuta in Owari Province
Hiroshige, Utagawa, born 1797 - died 1858 - Enlarge image
The Shichiri Ferry Crossing at Atsuta in Owari Province
- Object:
Woodblock print
- Place of origin:
Japan (made)
- Date:
1852 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Hiroshige, Utagawa, born 1797 - died 1858 (artist)
Sanpei (publisher) - Materials and Techniques:
Colour print from woodblocks
- Credit Line:
R. Leicester Harmsworth Gift
- Museum number:
E.2920-1913
- Gallery location:
In Storage
In this 'uchiwa-e' (rigid fan print) design Hiroshige depicts the view from the coast. That coast is now a river in an area of reclaimed land in the southern part of Nagoya. The gatelike structure to the left of the two rather statuesque courtesans marks the beginning of the approach to the Atsuta Jingu Shrine. It lies a little less than a kilometre to the north-east. This major Shinto shrine enjoyed the official patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate. It allegedly enshrines the sacred sword - the 'Kusanagi no Tsurugi' - that forms part of the imperial regalia.
The Shichiri ('seven leagues') of the title is the distance of a sea journey. It started at the embarkation point you see here and ended at Kuwana. This sea journey was shorter than the more circuitous overland route, which involved a journey inland followed by a boat trip down the Kiso River.
