Shinmei Shrine in Shiba, 1858.

Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858)

Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper, 8-1/2 in. x 13-1/2 in. Crocker Art Museum, gift of Frank D. Deats in honor of Mr. William Story Newhall, 1968.2.1

Print

19th Century

Asian Art

Theme: Seasons

people

Snow gently falls on visitors to the Shinmei Shrine in Shiba, Edo (now Tokyo). Originally founded in the 11th century, Shiba Shinmei was a popular destination for Edo residents’ first visit to a Shinto shrine to pray for blessings in the New Year.

Utagawa Hiroshige created at least five woodblock prints showing different views of the Shiba Shinmei Shrine. This print, from the series Famous Places in Edo, depicts visitors approaching and departing the site through the two torii gates that symbolically separate the shrine’s sacred spaces from the external world.

LOOK FOR: The snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji, visible at left in the distance, behind the rooftops and trees.

Details

  • artist/culture
    Utagawa Hiroshige
  • nationality
    Japanese, 1797–1858
  • title
    Shinmei Shrine in Shiba
  • date
    1858
  • historical period
    Edo period (1615–1868)
  • medium
    Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper
  • dimensions
    8-1/2 in. x 13-1/2 in.
  • credit line
    Crocker Art Museum, gift of Frank D. Deats in honor of Mr. William Story Newhall
  • accession no.
    1968.2.1
  • collection
    Asian Art

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