Early Departure from the Main Camp at Seki

Curtains dyed with large crests are stretched all over the picture. This is a honjin where a daimyo on sankin-kotai stayed, and Hayadachi in the title means an early-morning departure. In front of the gate, attendants with lanterns bow their heads and wait for their master to set out. The large crest is repeatedly dyed on the curtains, giving the picture a strong rhythm of pattern.

In the left foreground, palanquin bearers sit or chat as they prepare to depart. Each one's expression is distinguished, conveying the bustle before departure. The notice board at the right foreground is drawn so that its upper part spills out of the picture. Crests are drawn on the lanterns, showing it is still an hour when lights are needed.

Seki is a place where the ancient Suzuka Barrier was placed, one of the Three Barriers along with Fuwa and Osaka. Honjin were assigned to the houses of influential people in the post station. The sky is still dark, and the trees at the back are expressed in deep ink, conveying the cold air before dawn. Beyond the gate the roof of the honjin building peeks out, and on the right a large tree spreads its branches.