Toranomon-soto Konpira-sha Silver
¥148,500
SOLD OUT
Year: 2023
Medium: Pigmented ink on silver paper
Dimension: 30.9 x 21.6 x 0.3 cm / 12.2 x 8.5 x 0.1 in
Edition: 8
Signature: Hand-signed by artist, back
This work includes a certificate of authenticity, and black frame.
Inspired by Hiroshige's "Aoi Slope Outside Toranomon Gate" No.1 13 from "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo". In Hiroshige's work, men are depicted worshipping in a loincloth, even on a winter night, for the purpose of praying. This work depicts the "Konpira Shrine" where they end up. The "Toranomon (Tiger's Gate)" was once a particularly important place in Edo Castle, located in the unlucky quarter. Its name is said to derive from its location on the "White Tiger / Byakko" of the four deities that govern the north, south, east, and west of Edo. The Torii gate , which has existed since before it was painted by Hiroshige, is decorated with the sacred birds and animals of the four deities (Blue Dragon / Seiryu, Black Tortoise / Genbu, Vermilion Bird / Suzaku, and White Tiger / Byakko). Even today, the shrine is loved by many people who work in the area, and m any business people visit the shrine to pray.
広重の「名所江戸百景」第百十三景になる『虎の門外あふひ坂』をヒントに描いています。広重の作品には、男たちが祈願のために、冬の夜にもかかわらず、ふんどし一丁で参拝する様子が描かれていますが、本作では、彼らの行き着く先の「金毘羅宮」を描いています。虎ノ門は、かつて江戸城では裏鬼門に位置し、特に重要な場所でした。その名前は、江戸の東西南北を司どる四神の「白虎」に位置することが由来と言われており、広重に描かれる前から存在している鳥居には、四神（青竜・玄武・朱雀・白虎）の霊鳥・霊獣が飾られています。現在も、この土地で仕事を営む多くの人に愛され、多くのビジネスパーソンが祈願に訪れる神社です。
