Low Tide at Susaki (Susaki no shiohi)

Catalog note / 解説

The view in this <i>uchiwa-e</i> (rigid fan print) design by Hiroshige is of the spit of land (<i>susaki</i>) that extended out from the mouth of the Meguro river, channelling it northwards into Edo Bay, in the southern (Shinagawa) part of the Takanawa district in southern Edo. Susaki was a popular place for viewing the sunrise on New Year's day, but here the focus of activity is the gathering of shellfish in the shallow waters visible behind the courtesans on the bridge. The building to the left is a restaurant next to the entrance of the Susaki Shrine. Dedicated to Benten, the goddess of water, this nestled among a grove of pine trees, here partially visible behind the restaurant, at the…