Hiroshige made a series of 'uchiwa-e' (rigid fan print) designs depicting folk festivals (matsuri) in the provinces. This is one of two impressions owned by the V&A of the only known design from the series. Wakanoura (Waka Bay) lies on the coast to the south of Wakayama in the north-western corner of Wakayama Prefecture. It is home to the Tamatsushima Shrine. The inscription in the central cartouche says that a festival was held there each year on the 17th day of the fourth month. The festival centred round a procession of people dressed in various guises dancing, singing and making music. One component was the Mochibana Dance depicted here. Mochibana ('rice cake flower') refers to the sprigs of artificial pink and yellow flowers held by the five taller dancers and attached to their hats. The two smaller women wearing black hats decorated with peonies beat out the rhythm of the dance on their fans. Chanting in a high nasal voice accompanied it.