YOSHIMASA: A VERY LARGE PAINTED AND EMBROIDERED ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE WALL HANGING

YOSHIMASA: A VERY LARGE PAINTED AND EMBROIDERED 'ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE' WALL HANGING
By Yoshimasa, signed Yoshimasa saku 好雅作
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The large tapestry painted and embroidered on silk primarily in blue, brown, red, and cream, depicting the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and its iconic 'floating' torii gate, which appears to float in the sea during high tide, large and small boats float nearby in the inlet, the verdant landscapes full of luscious pines peeking through the intricate shrine complex.
Inscriptions:
Signed to the bottom-left, 'Yoshimasa saku' [Made by Yoshimasa]. Inscribed to the plaque of the torii gate, 'Itsukushima Jinja' [The Itsukushima Shrine]. The tomobako box inscribed, 'Saito' 齋藤 and 'Hattori Yoshimasa saku' 服部好雅作 [Made by Hattori Yoshimasa].
SIZE 306 x 185 cm
Condition: Very good condition with some light soiling, few loose threads, minor traces of use and wear.
With a fitted tomobako storage box. (2)
The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, with the complex itself consisting of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall, and Noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.