Embedded Files
Keizai Eisen - Series of the 69 stations of the Kisokaido: Itabashi (2nd print) - Itabashi station (Itabashi no eki)
(Edition done in 1950's by Kyoto Hanga-in under the supervision of Narazaki Muneshige, the most faithful to the first edition)
Itabashi is a village to the northwest of Edo, at 9.8km from Nihonbashi. The station followed the road and was divided in three sections: High section (Kamijuku), Middle section (Nakajuku) and low section (Hiraojuku). A river marked the boundary between Kamijuku and Nakajuku while Hiraojuku was located after the large Kanmyo-ji temple. On the print, two men (1) are equipping a pack horse with straw horseshoes. Their hats (2) are on the bench behind them. In the center, a pedlar (3) turns to speak to a palanquin bearer while a couple (4) hurry away pretending not to hear. In the background, the mile post (5) indicates the distance to Nihonbashi and Kyoto. Farther away, the village houses (6) are lining the road.
This print has seen few changes: Eisen signature was removed and the publisher names were modified as the printing progressed. First version with Eisen's signature and 吉 on the saddle cloth (see above), then later no signature and 林 on the saddle cloth.
(Source: The 69 stations of the Kisokaido, Sebastian Izzard, Brazillier 2008)
Itabashi with the bridge over Shakuji'gawa river in "Guide of the famous places of Edo, Vol.4" by Hasegawa Settan (1835) (source Tokyo Library)
Itabashi (in the upper right corner as seen in 1851 in a Guide to Kisokaido Road (Kisoji Meishozue) illustrated by Hiroshige (source Waseda University)
And now?
Itabashi was integrated into Tokyo city before the end of 19th century and is now a quiet residential district. Apart from the bridge over a small canal, the remains of the fire watchtower and a monument at the location of the former honjin, there is nothing left of the Edo period to tell us that this was a station. But there are interesting modern houses, maximizing the space with the open parking beneath.
Itabashi bridge and the mile post indicating the distance from Nihonbashi (2 ri, 25 cho, ca. 10km/6 mi)
Sunset at Itabashi
The remains of the fire watchtower at Itabashi Kamishuku
Monument at the location of Itabashi-shuku former Honjin
A modern house in Itabashi
Yoshida Toshi - Series "A day in Tokyo" - Canal seen from Itabashi bridge (1939)
Toko - Snow at Nightfall, as Seen in the Vicinity of Itabashi (1950)
Previous station: Nihonbashi Next station: Warabi
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse