During the Edo period (1603-1868), processions (gyoretsu) of feudal lords and their entourages were a regular occurrence. These processions between the feudal lords’ provinces and the capital were mandated by the shogun (Japan’s military leader) to control the lords and prevent uprisings. This print by Hiroshige II mimics such processions by depicting women and their attendants along a road passing closely by Mount Fuji. All around them, cherry trees are in full bloom and at the peak of their beauty.

- Meher McArthur, Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Curator of Academic Programs and Collections, 2021

On mat, in pencil: Jo 92 XI, Shigenobu, 'Flower Viewing.' Seals: Right panel - upper right, four in lower right; Middle panel - three in lower center; Left panel - four in lower left. Signed: Shigenobu ga. Censor's seal: Aratame and date seal (Mi-juni). Censor's seal: Aratame and date seal (Mi-juni).

Colored ink on paper; triptych woodblock print.

Woodblock print with an image of a group of women travelling along a road. On a warm spring day, a procession of women has left the city to enjoy cherry blossoms in the countryside west of Edo. While flower viewing was a popular pastime, this scene is also a parody of the traditional procession of military governors going to and from the capital city. The heavy palanquin at right would hardly have been carried by such finely dressed court attendants. This print is signed Shigenobu, for this was the studio name used by Hiroshige's disciple and adopted son until 1858, when he married his teacher's daughter and inherited the Hiroshige name.

Isekane.

This object has the following keywords:

• 1841-1868
• Processions

This object is a member of the following portfolios: