Women Worshipping the Rising Sun between the Twin Rocks at Ise (Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Met-Objekt 4483)
Original title: Women Worshipping the Rising Sun between the Twin Rocks at Ise
kurzbeschreibung
Women kneel on the shore, bowing toward the rising sun as it appears between the twin rocks of Ise. Kitagawa Utamaro set down this scene of devotion as a triptych of colour woodblock prints, ink and colour on paper, made in the late eighteenth century. Landscape and ritual act are bound tightly together here.
Description
A group of women in coloured kimonos kneels on either side, both turned toward the middle of the picture. Two striking rocks rise up, joined by a rope. Waves stir the sea while warm tones fill the sky with the mood of morning. Elaborately dressed hair with ornaments crowns the heads of the worshippers. The layout feels balanced, almost mirror-symmetrical.
Context
A leading figure of eighteenth-century Japanese ukiyo-e, Utamaro devoted himself above all to images of women. The twin rocks near Ise, known as Meoto Iwa, count as a sacred Shinto site and are linked with the sun goddess Amaterasu. This scene of female devotion may allude to actual pilgrimage practice or convey an idealised notion of woman's role in religious ritual.
Impact
A solemn, almost meditative mood rises from the calm symmetry and warm colours. The praying women appear in a moment both intimate and ceremonial, drawing the viewer into what unfolds.
Technique
Several woodblocks were used for printing, one for each colour, producing crisp lines and flat areas of colour. Ink and colour on paper match standard ukiyo-e practice. Details of hair and garments attest to the high craft precision of the method.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)