Illustrated Guide to the Ise Pilgrimage (Ise sangÅ« meisho zue), vol. 4 Possibly 1797 - 1799

Curator: Let's discuss this page from Shitomi Kangetsu's "Illustrated Guide to the Ise Pilgrimage." It's a fascinating example of Edo-period travel guides. Editor: The immediate impression is one of incredible detail—a meticulous rendering. The use of line is almost obsessive. Curator: Indeed, Kangetsu captures the Ise Grand Shrine and its surroundings, showcasing the sacred landscape as both a physical space and a site of spiritual pilgrimage. The figures within emphasize the lived experience. Editor: You can almost feel the texture of the paper, the precision required in the printing. The materiality speaks of a sophisticated book-making industry catering to a growing interest in travel. Curator: Precisely, and this interest reflects broader social shifts, including the rise of a merchant class with disposable income and the desire for leisure activities. Editor: Absolutely, so this guide is not only informative, but also a commodity tied to the economy of leisure and religious practice. A tangible manifestation of a spiritual journey. Curator: A crucial point, it also offers a glimpse into the democratization of religious experience during the Edo period. Editor: Seeing this print makes me think about accessibility—how such guides democratized travel itself. Curator: Yes, it's a reminder that art always exists within a specific social, political, and economic framework. Editor: And that the humblest of objects can reveal a rich and complex history.