Man on Raft on the Sumida River by Mimeguri

A raftsman poles a load of logs down the Sumida River beneath a full moon. The serene nocturnal scene, particularly the simplified forms of the Mimeguri Embankment and the raft of logs, is rendered with remarkable simplicity, using broad areas of unmodulated color and strong silhouettes to evoke the atmosphere of an ink painting. The quiet tonal contrasts give the print an unusually contemplative character, revealing Hiroshige’s sensitivity to the expressive possibilities of color and line. Mimeguri Embankment, a popular destination particularly during cherry-blossom viewing season. Located on the east side of the Sumida River across the Asakusa district, Mimeguri Shrine worshiped the two deities of Sumidagawa Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Sumidagawa Shichifukujin), Ebisu and Daikoku. Originally located adjacent to Ushijima Shrine, Mimeguri Shrine was relocated slightly southward after being swept away by a flood and with the construction of embankments along the riverbank. As a result, from the perspective of the opposite bank, the torii gate appears to protrude only its head from the embankment, creating a unique sight as captured in the present print.