Model Book: Votive Paintings of Itsukushima
(Itsukushima ema kagami), 1830

Woodblock-printed book

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania Libraries

This recent acquisition by the University of Pennsylvania Libraries presents the votive paintings held by the Shintō shrine, Itsukushima Jinja, and is thus an important record for artistic production in the period. Long considered one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan, Itsukushima shrine is renowned for its building complex constructed on piers extending into the bay, as may be seen in this bird’s eye view. This book features exquisite printing techniques, as may be seen in the delicate coloration here.

Julie Nelson Davis