Tile Kilns at Hashiba

Japanese Print Description

HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Tile Kilns and Hashiba Ferry
Signed:  Hiroshige ga
Series:  100 Famous Views of Edo
Publisher:  Uoei
Dated:  1857

We are looking at 2 Ferry boats going both ways across the Sumida.
The place is called ‘Hashiba’ which usually implies a bridge.
Indeed this is the place where in medieval times a bridge of
tied-together fishing boatswas once created.
(Bridges at that time were forbidden on the river for protection).
Our view is partly framed by smoke from the nearby tile kilns making
roof tiles which is our vantage point.