Kinryûzan Temple, Asakusa (Asakusa Kinryûzan)

Catalog note / 解説

In the tenth lunar month of 1855, the Great Earthquake of the Ansei era devastated the city of Edo, five months prior to the publication of this series. An estimated 9000 people died in this terrible natural disaster. In addition, many famous buildings were damaged, and the destruction of the nine-ring (kurin) finial of the pagoda at the Asakusa Kinryüzan Temple was especially shocking. The finial was repaired eight months later, and Hiroshige's print of Asakusa Kinryüzan Temple, part of the series, was published two months after the restoration. Consequently, Hiroshige's print commemorates the recovery of this famous temple. (from Good News from Hiroshige exhibition 10/9/2008-)