Futamigaura, the Wedded Rocks 1896

"Futamigaura, the Wedded Rocks" (1896) is a woodblock print by Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847-1915) depicting the famous rock formations of Futamigaura, a popular tourist destination and sacred site in Japan. The image showcases the two rock formations, connected by a rope bridge adorned with paper streamers called "shimenawa." The "shimenawa" is considered a sacred rope used to purify spaces and mark sacred sites. The print also features a traditional torii gate at the base of the rocks and figures in the foreground, adding a sense of scale and human interaction with the natural landscape. Kiyochika's use of vibrant colors and meticulous detail captures the beauty and spirituality of this iconic location.