Rainy Miyajima (Seki)

Description

Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Part of the Itsukushima Shrine on the island is a famous torii gate. It is built on land but with the rising tide, its lower part becomes submerged in the water. This is the state in which it is shown here by Tsuchiya Koitsu, making it seem as if the torii is floating on top of the water or suddenly rising from it. In front of it are lanterns, and one of the many deer that roam the island and are no longer fearful of humans. It is a subject frequently depicted in Japanese woodblock prints.