Illustrated Guide to the Ise Pilgrimage (Ise sangÅ« meisho zue), vol. 2 Possibly 1797 - 1799

Editor: Here we have a page from the *Illustrated Guide to the Ise Pilgrimage* by Shitomi Kangetsu. The delicate lines create this intimate scene. I'm curious, what does this image tell you about pilgrimage at the time? Curator: Pilgrimage in the Edo period was not just a religious act but also a significant social phenomenon. Guides like this one democratized access to sacred sites. Notice the depiction of everyday people undertaking this journey. How does this imagery speak to the broader cultural landscape? Editor: It suggests pilgrimage was quite accessible and possibly a communal activity? Curator: Precisely. The visual guide reframes the journey to Ise as a shared experience, reflecting the socio-political forces that shaped religious practice and cultural identity during that era. Do you see how the artist is democratizing a sacred space? Editor: That makes me think about how images shape our understanding of history and cultural practices. Thank you. Curator: Indeed. The power of imagery in shaping collective memory is potent. This pilgrimage guide is a wonderful reminder of that.