Utagawa Hiroshige

The production date: c.1847-1852 (c.Kouka 4-Kaei 5)
Publisher: Sumimasa
Enoshima Island became a very popular resort during the late Edo period, since it was conveniently close from Edo, or present day Tokyo, and as a result, it attracted many tourists together with the worshippers of the Benzaiten. During the Edo period, it was very popular to pay homage to Enoshima by forming a group called kouchu (Kouchu was group of people gather together for a common aim, but not a political organization). Enoshima Island was especially crowded when Midoshi Kaichou (Kaichou ceremony on the year of snake from the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac) took place once in every six year. This particular work is part of a trilogy together with “A View of Pilgrims Visiting the Kaichou Ceremony at the Hongu (the main shrine) in a Cave of Enoshima Benzaiten in Sagami Province” and “The Pilgrimage of the Kaichou Ceremony at the Enoshima Benzaiten” published from the same publisher, Sumiyoshi-ya Masagorou.