Avondklokken van de Mii tempel 1809 - 1814

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock print, “Evening Bells at Mii Temple,” sometime in the early 19th century. It offers us a glimpse into the cultural and institutional landscape of Edo-period Japan. The print depicts Mii-dera, a Buddhist temple with a rich history. It had close ties to the imperial family and influential aristocracy. By Hokusai's time, it had become a popular pilgrimage site. Note how the print focuses on the temple’s natural setting and human activity rather than the architecture itself. This indicates the growth of a tourist economy that reshaped religious sites into destinations for leisure. Understanding Hokusai's work requires considering the complex interplay of religion, politics, economics, and social life in Japan. Art historians consult a wide range of sources, from religious texts to travel guides, to decipher the meanings embedded in such works. These visual records help us appreciate the social and institutional contexts that shaped their creation.