A weaver at her loom, with view of the Nezu Shrine, from Edo Meisho Hyakunin Bijo (One hundred famous places and beauties of Edo)

By U. Kunisada

A weaver at her loom, with view of the Nezu Shrine, from Edo Meisho Hyakunin Bijo (One hundred famous places and beauties of Edo)
1857
color woodblock print
14" x 10"
Available
collection Matt Brown

Built in 1705, the Nezu Shrine is today one of the oldest places of worship in Tokyo. In 1868, as part of the Meiji Restoration, the new Emperor Mutsuhito sought intercession from the spirits of the Nezu Shrine on his behalf. Why did Kunisada portray this weaver at her loom in juxtaposition with a view of this shrine? We don't know. But it is fun to think of a poem composed by Emperor Mutsuhito: “Do not forget to work hard no matter how rich and satisfied you are."