Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
This print suggests a visual and verbal play between the turtle as a conventional symbol of longevity in Chinese and Japanese lore and the name of the bridge, Mannen, which means "ten thousand years." The turtle may also refer to the bridge's location in the Fukagawa district, where turtles were bred for sale as pets. Moreover, it was a common custom in Edo for breeders of eels, carp, and turtles to offer their wares near bridges, for release into the rivers or canals below in hope of building up positive karma.
Caption
Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858). Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, 11th month of 1857. Woodblock print, Sheet: 14 1/4 x 9 5/16 in. (36.2 x 23.6 cm) Image: 13 3/8 x 9 in. (34 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Anna Ferris, 30.1478.56. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Mannen Bridge, Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi), No. 56 from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
Date
11th month of 1857
Period
Edo Period, Ansei Era
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Woodblock print
Classification
Dimensions
Sheet: 14 1/4 x 9 5/16 in. (36.2 x 23.6 cm) Image: 13 3/8 x 9 in. (34 x 22.9 cm)
Signatures
Hiroshige-ga
Markings
Publisher: Shitaya Uo Ei. Date and censor seals in top margin.
Credit Line
Gift of Anna Ferris
Accession Number
30.1478.56
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at