Meoto Iwa, the wedded rocks. Study I by Stefano Orazzini

About "Meoto Iwa, the wedded rocks. Study I"

by Stefano Orazzini

About the artwork

The Meoto Iwa, or "Married Rocks," are a pair of iconic rocks located in front of the Futami Okitama Shrine in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Situated along the eastern coast of the Ise Peninsula, near the city of Futami and just 15 kilometers from the renowned Ise Shrine, these rocks hold deep spiritual significance.

According to Shinto mythology, the Meoto Iwa represent the divine couple Izanagi and Izanami, the deities responsible for creating Japan. The two rocks are connected by a shimenawa, a sacred rope of rice straw, symbolizing their eternal union. This tradition is celebrated annually with a renewal ceremony in January.

A small torii gate stands atop the larger rock, further emphasizing its sacred status. The Meoto Iwa are particularly revered during the summer solstice, when the sun rises between them, aligning with the worship of Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

For my black and white photograph, I meticulously planned my visit to coincide with high tide conditions. This allowed me to capture the rocks in their most striking form, separated by a tranquil expanse of water. The weather was ideal, with little wind, a calm sea, and a soft, setting sun that cast delicate shadows.

Using a 150-second long exposure, I captured the essence of this sacred site on June 1, 2010, at 6:50 PM Japan time. The resulting image showcases the timeless beauty and spiritual significance of the Meoto Iwa.