Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩) (Decorative Tiles)

There are many tombs using scenery as a motive for its decorative tiles especially for tombs dated post war. Some of the scenery can be of windmills, mountains, etc of places i am not able to pin point. However while exploring Kopi Sua, i came across this large tomb with gates and while taking a look at it, i saw decorative tiles with a motive or rather scenery that i am able to identify. The 4 panel consist of a picture of 2 rocks in the sea, with a rope connecting the 2 rocks together. What is also visible is a small torri on the larger rock and between the rocks, is the rising sun. (Although not clear, it is very likely Mount Fuji also in the background. I recall seeing this place before online and after some online search, the Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩), or the Married Couple Rocks, located in the sea off Futami, Mie, Japan fits the bill. The shimenawa (a heavy rope of rice straw) rope also can been and is said to weigh over a ton. The Meoto Iwa symbolizes the sacred union of man and woman. According to Shinto, the rocks represent the union of the creator of kami, Izanagi and Izanami. The rocks, therefore, celebrate the union in marriage of man and woman. The larger rock, said to be male, has a small torii at its peak.

The neighboring shrine of Futami-Okitama or the Futami Okitama Jinja (二見興玉神社), is mainly dedicated to marriage and marital happiness. It is a very popular place with newlyweds seeking blessings of a happy marriage. It is described that when the occasion is correct, the sun appears to rise between the two rocks and that Mount Fuji is visible in the distance.