Fudō Ritsuzan (1886–1975)
Kifune Landscape
Japan, 1920s
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Gift of Terry Welch, 2021 (2021-03-031)
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According to legend, the goddess Tamayori-hime’s boat made its way upstream from the ocean to the remote mountains north of Kyoto, finally stopping at the location of Kifune Shrine, the name of which means “Precious Boat” (the shrine still preserves a cairn under which the boat is believed to be buried). As early as the Heian period (794–1185), the shrine was associated with water, and the imperial court sent offerings of horses—black for rain, white for clear skies.
Today Kifune is one of the famous scenic sites around Kyoto, and a popular day pilgrimage from the city. Ritsuzan indicates the season as early spring by the blossoming cherry tree that stretches upward along the left side, leading to towering cypresses in the distance. Nestled in the narrow valley is the entrance to the shrine, marked by a red torii gate, beyond which the main hall is visible. Further buildings from the extensive shrine’s three compounds reach back into the valley. Ritsuzan was known for his detailed brushwork and realistic renderings; his depiction of Kifune corresponds well with the shrine as it still stands today.
Further listening
A blossoming cherry tree stretches upward along the left side of this scroll and leads to towering cypresses in the distance, indicating the season to be early spring. Nestled in the narrow valley is the entrance to Kifune shrine, marked by a red torii gate, beyond which the main hall is visible. Further buildings from the shrine’s three compounds reach back into the valley. According to legend, the goddess Tamayori-hime’s boat made its way upstream from the ocean to the remote mountains north of Kyoto, finally stopping at the location of Kifune Shrine, whose title means “Precious Boat” (the shrine still preserves a cairn under which the boat is believed to be buried). Long associated with water, the shrine often received offerings of horses—black for rain, white for clear skies—from the imperial court.
Today Kifune is one of the famous scenic sites around Kyoto, and a popular site for day pilgrimage from the city.