Landing Entry of Shichiri Ferry at Kuwana

Two boats are drawn large in the foreground, advancing over the waves as they lower their sails. The bit of land barely visible at the lower right is the landing where they will arrive. The wave crests are drawn in fine lines, conveying the rocking of the boats. People appear small on the boats, in the middle of furling sails before landing.

From Miya (Atsuta) to Kuwana was seven ri (about 28 kilometers) by sea, and this boat trip was called the Shichiri no Watashi (Seven-ri Ferry). It was the only sea route on the Tokaido. The stone walls and turrets at the back right are those of Kuwana Castle, built to jut out into the sea. The castle carries many white-walled turrets, and the stone walls are drawn down to the shape of each stone. Pines grow thick behind.

The vertical masts and the horizontal horizon and castle walls form the framework of the picture. Sailing boats float offshore on the left, indicating the breadth of the sea. It is a composition with a calm balance, combining the movement of the foreground with the orderly scene behind. Near the distant horizon many small sails can be seen. The top edge of the sky is dyed red, with pale yellow sandwiched between it and the blue of the sea.