Moon and smoke, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon

During the Edo period fires were a common occurrence and companies of firemen competed with each other. If property was saved, the company was rewarded. The fireman depicted here is a standard-bearer whose role is to ensure proper identification of the team fighting the fire. The fireman on the opposite rooftop in the lower left of the print holds a different standard representing a rival organisation. The smoke and flames have been given texture by splattering lime made from powdered chalk or sea shells, mixed with glue, onto the paper.