kyushudan

Hi Piers, I'd just like to reiterate that my knowledge on the topic of Ukiyo-e is almost zero. You mention Tenpo reforms... I just have no idea. Anyway... on the accuracy of castles in Ukiyo-e: Check out the second Ukiyo-e print on this page: http://www.library.pref.kagoshima.jp/honkan/?p=505 The title: 鹿児島城激戦之図. The inaccuracies are huge. There were no towers, let alone three-story ones. The moat & bridge were far, far smaller. It has been well noted that the castle of Kagoshima is the biggest push-over of a castle there ever was. The one depicted looks like it had a chance of holding out. And on this page: http://www.library.pref.kagoshima.jp/honkan/?p=522, there are two glimpses of the white towers of Kumamoto castle. Of course, there are no white towers at Kumamoto. All have blackened wood panelling with the white plaster only being used for the eaves/tops of the walls. Wouldn't you think the black or white-ness of a castle would be preserved in a print? I've not much left in the tank but let me just say, the accuracy of a castle in print was never a consideration. It seems it was sufficient merely to convey the sense of the castle.

Hi all, I'm new here. I am Kyushudan of the Japanese Castle Explorer website. First, let me say that I don't know jack about Ukiyo-e. So, all I can really have an opinion in is the castle. And, what castle do I think it is? No idea. Sorry. I am absolutely certain that whatever castle it was, it did not look as it has been depicted here by the artist. I'm sure Mr Utagawa used the castle buildings that he saw around him as references. For me, the two-story turret has the look of the Sakurada (Tatsumi) Turret of Edo Castle (the Imperial Palace to some.) The three-story turret looks to be similar to one of the remaining turrets of Nagoya Castle. I should clarify that even while I say they look similar, it may just be a coincidence. Bottom line: the accuracy of the castle is not important to the scene.