Processional Standard- Bearers at Nihonbashi Bridge (Station #1)

Catalog note / 解説

This is perhaps the most symbolic of the prints in reflecting the energy, variety, and magnitude of the thriving commoner class in the late Edo period. The scene is the famous Nihon Bridge in early morning. The dark silhouette of the city roofs of merchants' stores, warehouses, and homes spreads under a hint of morning blue. Crossing the bridge, a daimyo's procession, just beginning its journey out of Edo, is led by minor retainers in identical green haori, blue hakama, and tan sugegasa, who march in unison. Leading the procession, pair of standard-bearers and two porters also advance forward in harmony. Moving out of the background, the small, rigid figures in the samurai procession march…