Artwork Page for Fishing at Iwaya on Enoshima

Details / Information for Fishing at Iwaya on Enoshima

Fishing at Iwaya on Enoshima

江之島岩屋の釣遊び

c. 1790

Kitagawa Utamaro 喜多川 歌麿

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
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Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Each: 37.8 x 25.2 cm (14 7/8 x 9 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift from J. H. Wade 1921.407
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The island Enoshima in Kanagawa prefecture in eastern Japan, near the city of Kamakura, is one home of the goddess Benzaiten, who is associated with water as well as music and entertainment. The island’s Iwaya caves were for centuries a place for meditative retreat, but by the time this scene near their entrance was printed, pilgrimages combining religious sentiment with touristic intent were popular, and remain so today.
A horizontally oriented triptych of color woodblock prints depicts eight people with light skin tones in patterned robes on blotchy, black-inked rock outcroppings. From left to right, a seated woman holds a long fishing pole while others stand or crouch near the water. Some carry fans or bundles. In the background, small boats dot the sea before a distant mountain range. Some of the original vibrancy has faded into muted orange and green tones.

Fishing at Iwaya on Enoshima

c. 1790

Kitagawa Utamaro

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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