Numazu: Twilight Picture

This print illustrates travelers approaching the town of Numasu, near Mt. Fuji, just as the full moon rises on the horizon. One of the travelers is a pilgrim journeying to (or returning from) Kompira Shrine on Shikoku Island. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Omono-nushi-no-Mikoto, a patron saint of seafarers. The shrine is located high atop Mt. Kotohira, and hence was a popular destination of <i>yamabushi</i>, wandering priests who venerate mountains. In the popular imagination, <i>yamabushi</i> became associated with <i>tengu</i>, mythical birdlike creatures that live deep in mountain forests. Hence, this print shows a pilgrim dressed in white carrying a portable shrine on his back that has been adorned with a <i>tengu</i> mask, believed to offer talismanic protection.