Aoizaka Outside Toranomon(Gate),from the series One Hundred Views of Edo

A print from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo of Hiroshige’s twilight years (1856-58), a work which totals 120 prints, including a catalogue of the works and a print by Hiroshige II later added to the series. The slope on the right is called the Aoi Slope, which picked up its name from the hollyhock (aoi) planted by the guard station located at the top of the slope under a giant Chinese hackberry. Overflow from the reservoir runs down the slope into the outer moat of Edo Castle. The residences of samurai were located in this area to defend the castle. In the night sky, the crescent moon and wild geese in flight let us know it’s a cold winter day. The two people in the middle are running around ringing small bells and carrying lanterns, making the rounds of shrines and temples as part of a 30-day ritual in the cold to petition the deities to improve their abilities.