The Characteristics of Mt. Tsukuba Based on an Analysis of Drawings in the Early Modern Period

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze drawings that illustrated Mt. Tsukuba in the early modern period, and to understand how people of that time regarded the mountain. The appearance of Mt. Tsukuba is characterized by two peaks. Since the Nara period, the mountain has inspired Japanese waka. It was also known as a sacred mountain. The drawings did not express the mountain’s characteristics in detail. In Edo period, detailed picture maps were created as guides for pilgrimage climbs. In addition, this mountain was often drawn as a part of the Edo landscape. The types of drawings included guides, records, hanging scroll, and those used for faith. Their compositions were diverse, with the mountain featured either prominently or in the background. Most of the illustrations were drawn from east of Edo. Since Mt. Tsukuba was included in works by celebrated painters and in mass-produced hanga, the mountain became well recognized. These were beautiful landscape drawing that included lakes or rivers; people’s daily lives were not portrayed. It can be inferred that people’s faith in Mt. Tsukuba has continued from the ancient past.