Pilgrimage to the Unveiling of Benzaiten at Enoshima in Sagami: Caves at the Main Shrine c. 1851

Editor: This striking triptych, "Pilgrimage to the Unveiling of Benzaiten at Enoshima in Sagami: Caves at the Main Shrine" by Utagawa Hiroshige, shows crowds heading toward caves. The scale feels epic, yet intimate. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this pilgrimage? Curator: Hiroshige masterfully captures the popularization of religious tourism in 19th-century Japan. Enoshima, dedicated to Benzaiten, a syncretic goddess of wealth and music, became a major pilgrimage site. Notice how the print subtly promotes this site. Editor: So, it's both art and advertisement? Curator: Precisely. The image invites viewers to participate in this cultural phenomenon, reinforcing Enoshima's significance. Consider how the print itself would have been circulated, further shaping perceptions of this sacred space. Editor: I see. The print serves a social function. Thanks! Curator: Indeed! It highlights the fascinating intersection of religion, tourism, and the burgeoning print culture of the time.