Eight Views of Meguro
Data
Description
A set of eight prints showing views of the Meguro area in Tokyo.
The printer used a vermillion pigment which has oxidized very heavily, turning areas nearly black ...
The name of the sponsor of this set, Shiko (紫江), appears in each label, and the full name, Ingaka Shiko (磯ヶ谷紫江), is recorded on the title print.
Top row:
Print 1 (leftmost): "A thicket at Meguro" (目黒のやぶ).
Print 2 (centre-left): An unknown temple.
Print 3 (centre-right): Probably Jojuin Temple (成就院), famous for octopus ema (votive pictures) such as the one depicted in this print.
Print 4 (rightmost): A grave, with incense lit in front of it, an unknown yellow object, a bridge, and what is probably the statue of Mizawa Hatsuko (三沢初子, 1640-1686), the concubine of Date Tsunamune, the third daimyō of Sendai Domain. The grave is presumably also that of Mizawa.
Bottom row:
Print 5 (leftmost): An unknown temple.
Print 6 (centre-left): A long set of stairs, covered with clouds in parts, with Daienji Temple (大円寺) in the distance.
Print 7 (centre-right): A grave carved with the words hiyokuzuka (比翼塚), meaning "a grave of two lovers buried together". As this print set is based on landmarks of Meguro, this particular illustration probably depicts the well-known grave of the samurai Hirai Gonpachi (1655-1679, 平井権八), also known as Shirai Gonpachi (白井権八), and his lover, the courtesan Komurasaki (小紫). The grave can still be seen to this day at Fudoson Temple (不動尊), also known as Ryusenji Temple (瀧泉寺), in Meguro.
Print 8 (rightmost): Water spurts from a dragon's mouth at Fudoson Temple (不動尊), also known as Ryusenji Temple (瀧泉寺). An unknown religious implement appears in the foreground.