Torii, Miyajima / Kiutaibashi, Iwakuui

Kimbei Kusakabe

From an albumen of photographic prints of Nikko, Japan. Photographed and hand-colored by Kusakabe, they were originally compiled in an accordian style with a laquered, decorated case and sold to Western tourists as keepsakes of their travels.

In the first image, the viewer is on the shore of Miyajima Island, traditionally known as Itsukushima. "Miyajima" is the word for "shrine island" and refers to the numerous Shinto temples and Buddhist shrines around the island, which is situated in the Seto Inland Sea of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It's most famous for the Itsukushima Shrine complex; specifically, its "floating" torii gate. Seen in this image are stone lanterns on the shoreline, and in the distance, the torii gate standing in the water, appearing to "float" at high tide.

In the second image, a group of young fishermen prepare to set out upon the Nishiki River, the Kintai Bridge in the distance. This 17th century pedestrian bridge is made of five wooden arches supported by stone piers. It was declared a National Treasure by Japan in 1922 and has since undergone signifcant repairs.