Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

Utagawa Hiroshige

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

This print suggests a visual and verbal play between the turtle as a conventional symbol of longevity in Chinese and Japanese lore and the name of the bridge, Mannen, which means "ten thousand years." The turtle may also refer to the bridge's location in the Fukagawa district, where turtles were bred for sale as pets. Moreover, it was a common custom in Edo for breeders of eels, carp, and turtles to offer their wares near bridges, for release into the rivers or canals below in hope of building up positive karma.

Caption

Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858). Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, 11th month of 1857. Woodblock print, Sheet: 14 1/4 x 9 5/16 in. (36.2 x 23.6 cm) Image: 13 3/8 x 9 in. (34 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Anna Ferris, 30.1478.56. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

Date

11th month of 1857

Period

Edo Period, Ansei Era

Geography

Place made: Japan

Medium

Woodblock print

Classification

Print

Dimensions

Sheet: 14 1/4 x 9 5/16 in. (36.2 x 23.6 cm) Image: 13 3/8 x 9 in. (34 x 22.9 cm)

Signatures

Hiroshige-ga

Markings

Publisher: Shitaya Uo Ei. Date and censor seals in top margin.

Credit Line

Gift of Anna Ferris

Accession Number

30.1478.56

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