Posted by Andrew (76.193.16.109) on June 10, 2011 at 09:34:14:
In Reply to: Hiroshige Buddha any info posted by Fran on May 31, 2011 at 02:07:55:
This is indeed the Kamakura Daibutsu.
The word in the title of the print is "Josenji", from Kotokuin Josenji. (Name of the temple and Buddhist sect that maintained the Daibutsu statue).
Also the proof is: if you look at very old photos from the 1800's of the statue, and the constructions surrounding its pedestal. The toro lanterns, flower sculptures, and wooden gate are all in exactly the same position as shown in this print.
I have been there myself, and those objects are no longer in front of the Daibutsu. Interesting, because the statue was damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Another photo I found online shows the toro lanterns present in 1919, I think they must have been destroyed in the quake.
Could not find an example of or reference to this as a Hiroshige design. If this is authentic, as opposed to a Meiji (re)print, it may be valuable. Would be interesting to see better quality photos showing the whole print, as well as close-ups of how the lines are cut. The design must pre-date the year of 1923.
Andrew