Ukiyo-e 25, KE-9, Handbag - Eisen, Snow Scene at Senso-ji Temple
Ukiyo-e Bag - Snow Scene at Senso-ji Temple.
Ukiyo-e (Japanese, meaning "Pictures of the Floating World"). Ukiyo-e depicts and records the life of Japanese people in the Edo period. It represents Japanese art of 17-19 centuries.
Legend and History
Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the “bodhisattva Kannon”. Bodhisattva Kannon means Lord of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy, or referred as "Guanyin". Located in Asakusa, Tokyo, this temple is, therefore, also known as "Asakusa Kannon Temple".
The temple was first founded in 645 AD, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) is so famous, it is one of the most widely visited spiritual sites in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. The legend states that in the year of 628, two brothers fished a gold statue of "Kannon" out of what is now the Sumida River. Despite of trying to return "the figure" to the river for several times, it always came back to them. Being recognized as "Kannon", it was enshrined. Consequently, Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) was built near the spot where the statue of "Kannon" was discovered, and completed in 645.
The current crimson temple building looks much more modern, as it was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. The rebuilt temple has a titanium tiled roof made by Nippon Steel Corporation. The new roof maintains the historic image but is stronger, lighter in weight, and more resistant to earthquakes. The total roof weight has been reduced from 930 metric tons of traditional Japanese roof tiles to 180 metric tons.
The Composition of Senso-ji Temple
The main buildings of Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) includes:
1. The outer gate "Thunder Gate" (Kaminarimon, 雷門)
2. The inner gate "Treasure-House Gate" (Hozomon, 宝蔵門)
3. Main hall of the temple
4. A five-story pagoda
Leading from the outer gate, Thunder Gate, to the inner gate, Treasure-House Gate, is a shopping street, the "Nakamise-Dori" (仲見世通り), which is over 200 meters and has many shops with traditional Japanese goods. Beyond the inner gate stand the temple's main hall and a five storied pagoda. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine.
The inner gate (Treasure-House Gate) with its lantern and statues is popular with tourists. The shopping street, Nakamise-Dori (仲見世通り), dates back to the 17th century. Most shops in this street have been run by the same families for several generations.
The Painting - Snow Scene at Senso-ji Temple (東都金龍山浅草寺雪ノ景)
This painting was created in late 1830s by famous Edo period artist Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848). The first thing that comes into audience’s eyes is probably the snow-white roof. The snow on the roof captures the attention of the audience. The huge eaves demonstrate the character and style of the temple architecture. All the buildings are rich deep red in contrast to the white of snow; this painting gives a very special sensation.
The temple’s main hall is spectacular, and the huge roof is impressive. The five-story pagoda stands in the distance, but it is still eye-catching. It is a famous scenic place in the Edo period. Many tourists, holding umbrella, were visiting the temple. This painting shows the activities of people in that era. Although this destroyed temple was rebuilt after World War II, the temple in the painting was located in the same place.
Created in late 1830s
Artist: Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉; Japanese, 1790–1848)
Art inspires fashion - Exotic style fashion.
Ukiyo-e (Japanese, meaning "Pictures of the Floating World"). Ukiyo-e depicts and records the life of Japanese people in the Edo period. It represents Japanese art of 17-19 centuries.
Snow Scene at Senso-ji Temple at Kinryuzan in the Eastern Capital
「東都金龍山浅草寺雪ノ景」Legend and History
Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the “bodhisattva Kannon”. Bodhisattva Kannon means Lord of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy, or referred as "Guanyin". Located in Asakusa, Tokyo, this temple is, therefore, also known as "Asakusa Kannon Temple".
The temple was first founded in 645 AD, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) is so famous, it is one of the most widely visited spiritual sites in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. The legend states that in the year of 628, two brothers fished a gold statue of "Kannon" out of what is now the Sumida River. Despite of trying to return "the figure" to the river for several times, it always came back to them. Being recognized as "Kannon", it was enshrined. Consequently, Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) was built near the spot where the statue of "Kannon" was discovered, and completed in 645.
The current crimson temple building looks much more modern, as it was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. The rebuilt temple has a titanium tiled roof made by Nippon Steel Corporation. The new roof maintains the historic image but is stronger, lighter in weight, and more resistant to earthquakes. The total roof weight has been reduced from 930 metric tons of traditional Japanese roof tiles to 180 metric tons.
The Composition of Senso-ji Temple
The main buildings of Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺) includes:
1. The outer gate "Thunder Gate" (Kaminarimon, 雷門)
2. The inner gate "Treasure-House Gate" (Hozomon, 宝蔵門)
3. Main hall of the temple
4. A five-story pagoda
Leading from the outer gate, Thunder Gate, to the inner gate, Treasure-House Gate, is a shopping street, the "Nakamise-Dori" (仲見世通り), which is over 200 meters and has many shops with traditional Japanese goods. Beyond the inner gate stand the temple's main hall and a five storied pagoda. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine.
The inner gate (Treasure-House Gate) with its lantern and statues is popular with tourists. The shopping street, Nakamise-Dori (仲見世通り), dates back to the 17th century. Most shops in this street have been run by the same families for several generations.
The Painting - Snow Scene at Senso-ji Temple (東都金龍山浅草寺雪ノ景)
This painting was created in late 1830s by famous Edo period artist Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848). The first thing that comes into audience’s eyes is probably the snow-white roof. The snow on the roof captures the attention of the audience. The huge eaves demonstrate the character and style of the temple architecture. All the buildings are rich deep red in contrast to the white of snow; this painting gives a very special sensation.
The temple’s main hall is spectacular, and the huge roof is impressive. The five-story pagoda stands in the distance, but it is still eye-catching. It is a famous scenic place in the Edo period. Many tourists, holding umbrella, were visiting the temple. This painting shows the activities of people in that era. Although this destroyed temple was rebuilt after World War II, the temple in the painting was located in the same place.
Created in late 1830s
Artist: Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉; Japanese, 1790–1848)
- Price:$178.00
- Glazed synthetic leather
- Custom-print durable Oxford
- Double rolled handles with 6" drop
- Top zip opening has magnetic snaps on each end
- Silver hardware
- Interior features print lining; back zip pocket; 2 front open slip pockets trimmed in matching leather
- Size: 14"W x 9 1/2"H x 6"D