Kamakura
Photograph
Kamakura
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
1863
Albumen silver print, printed ca. 1872
23.0 x 28.9 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0026
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
KAMAKURA.
THE entrance to these celebrated Temples, and the grounds in which they are situated, with their minor attractions are worthy of notice.
Passing under a lofty portal, composed of two round pillars cut from a single block of granite on each side, slightly inclining inwards-into which the two ends of another straight slab of stone across the top are inserted, and surmounted by a simple concave cornice of the unvarying Japanese type which marks the entrance to all building or columns of a sacred character-the visitor crosses a bridge called the AKAI-BASHI, or "RED BRIDGE" which is peculiar from being entirely constructed of no other material than stone. This bridge divides a piece of water or pond, covered with the broad leaves of numerous Lotus plants, the flowers of which (white on one side and red on the other) are beautiful when in blossom. On a small Island in this pond there is a temple of Benten-and on its surface, and round its edges, numerous sacred cranes, and wild duck of varied plumage, disport themselves unmolested.
On the left, after crossing "AKAI-BASHI," in stables for their special accommodation-two pink eyed white ponies may be noticed-these are said to be used only twice in the year, at a feast of the Gods in the 2nd and 8th months, on which occasions they are led up and down the long avenue called the "Path of the Gods" with the name of a particular deity attached to their girths. These ponies are never allowed to lie down, and are supported entirely by the charity of pilgrims who deposit cash in front of them, with which food is purchased from attending priestly vendors. The avenue is not allowed to be trodden by any other horse, and it is looked upon as desecration if any kango or vehicle uses this sacred "Path of the Gods"-a fact which visitors would do well to remember.
KAMAKURA.
THE entrance to these celebrated Temples, and the grounds in which they are situated, with their minor attractions are worthy of notice.
Passing under a lofty portal, composed of two round pillars cut from a single block of granite on each side, slightly inclining inwards-into which the two ends of another straight slab of stone across the top are inserted, and surmounted by a simple concave cornice of the unvarying Japanese type which marks the entrance to all building or columns of a sacred character-the visitor crosses a bridge called the AKAI-BASHI, or "RED BRIDGE" which is peculiar from being entirely constructed of no other material than stone. This bridge divides a piece of water or pond, covered with the broad leaves of numerous Lotus plants, the flowers of which (white on one side and red on the other) are beautiful when in blossom. On a small Island in this pond there is a temple of Benten-and on its surface, and round its edges, numerous sacred cranes, and wild duck of varied plumage, disport themselves unmolested.
On the left, after crossing "AKAI-BASHI," in stables for their special accommodation-two pink eyed white ponies may be noticed-these are said to be used only twice in the year, at a feast of the Gods in the 2nd and 8th months, on which occasions they are led up and down the long avenue called the "Path of the Gods" with the name of a particular deity attached to their girths. These ponies are never allowed to lie down, and are supported entirely by the charity of pilgrims who deposit cash in front of them, with which food is purchased from attending priestly vendors. The avenue is not allowed to be trodden by any other horse, and it is looked upon as desecration if any kango or vehicle uses this sacred "Path of the Gods"-a fact which visitors would do well to remember.
