One Hundred Famous Views of Edo No.46Yoroi Ferry at Koami cho
In this print, a ferry called Yoroi can be seen downstream on the Nihonbashi River. Before the Edo period this area was underwater.
Yoshiie Minamoto (1039-1106) was a military leader of the Minamoto family who passed here by boat for the Boso Peninsula to continue his expedition to subdue his enemy in the north of Japan. When he was at sea here he encountered a violent storm. He was nearly thrown overboard and he therefore assumed that an angry dragon god caused the storm. The dragon god was believed to have the power to control clouds and rain, so, wanting to appease the god, he threw his armour (“yoroi”) into the sea. Immediately the waters became calm and Yoshiie was able to cross the sea safely. As a result of these amazing actions, this place was named Yoroi no watashi and during the Edo period, it was reclaimed from the sea and turned into a merchant town named Koami-cho. Storehouses were established along the river with walls that were plastered with mud and mortar.
In this print, one can see a ferryboat crossing the river with a full load of people onboard. Another boat coming up the river is piled with boxes inscribed with the Chinese character “cha”, meaning tea. The small boat rowed by a boatman in the middle of the river is called a “chokibune”. Being fast, it was frequently used by people who wanted to go, by way of the Sumida River, to the New Yoshiwara licensed quarters located to the north of Asakusa. A few swallows are depicted flying against a misty sky. The swallow is a migratory bird, staying in Japan from spring to autumn.
A colourful kimono-clad young lady, presumably the daughter of a merchant, stands at the edge of the riverbank holding a Japanese parasol made of oiled paper pasted on a bamboo frame. She seems to be enjoying watching the traffic on the river.
This product is created under the brand name 'Edo Woodblock Prints' , which preserves unchanged techniques and methods from the Edo period in creating traditional multi-colored woodblock prints. It has been officially designated as a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and as a Tokyo Metropolitan Traditional Craft.
Specifications:
• Printed on premium Echizen Kisuki Hōsho paper
• Print dimensions: approx. 34 cm height × 22 cm width
• Comes framed (See details about our custom frames)
Unframed prints are also available. Please write "Unframed preferred" in the remarks section of your order. We will send you a revised price quote by return email.
These simple yet stylish deep brown wooden frames blend perfectly into any interior.
Since ukiyo-e have unusual aspect ratios, putting them in off-the-shelf frames often results in an unnatural balance between the margins and the print.
Our special ukiyo-e frames allow you to display your prints beautifully as soon as they arrive.
These frames can be used vertically or horizontally by simply repositioning the cord, making it easy to display different prints. And since they use light yet durable acrylic instead of glass, transportation is a stress-free experience.
Corresponding Products: Reproduction ukiyo-e
Dimensions: Height 51.0 cm x Width 35.0cm x Thickness 2.0 cm