Artwork

Horinouchi Myōhōji Eho Mairi no Zu|Pilgrimage to Myōhōji in Horinouchi, Edo

Horinouchi Myōhōji Eho Mairi no Zu|Pilgrimage to Myōhōji in Horinouchi, Edo is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyohiro. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Horinouchi Myōhōji Eho Mairi no Zu is a late 18th-century Japanese woodblock print, specifically two sheets from a pentaptych, created by Utagawa Toyohiro around 1804. Executed in ink and color on paper, the work is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two scenes of women in traditional long robes and high hairstyles, suggesting a pilgrimage or visit to a sacred site, likely Myōhōji Temple in the Horinouchi area of Edo (modern Tokyo). The left sheet shows the group outdoors near a building with a prominent tree and a red chest, while the right sheet captures them indoors beside a distinctive black-and-white patterned wall and tall windows.

Technique & Style

Characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns on the women's attire, the print exemplifies Utagawa Toyohiro's mastery of woodblock printing techniques. The contrast between the outdoor setting, complete with a fence and distant figures, and the serene, decorated indoor space, highlights the artist's ability to convey different atmospheres within a single work.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1804, this woodblock print is attributed to Utagawa Toyohiro, a prominent figure in Edo-period ukiyo-e. The work is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

This print reflects the cultural and religious practices of late Edo Japan, where pilgrimages to temples like Myōhōji were common. It also showcases the artistic trends of the time, blending traditional motifs with the evolving styles of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Legacy

As part of Utagawa Toyohiro's oeuvre, Horinouchi Myōhōji Eho Mairi no Zu contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in Japanese art history, offering insights into the daily life, fashion, and religious practices of 19th-century Edo.