“104. Koume Embankment” is an exquisite woodblock print created by the renowned artist Hiroshige in 1857. This artwork is a part of the “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” series and belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement, known for its depiction of the fleeting world and everyday life in Japan. As a landscape genre piece, it beautifully captures a serene scene of the Koume Embankment, a prominent location in Edo, now modern-day Tokyo.
In the artwork, one can observe a picturesque embankment lined with tall trees, leading the viewer’s gaze across a gently curving river. The horizon is painted in soft hues of pink and red, suggesting either dawn or dusk, while the distant landscape features an assortment of traditional Japanese buildings and verdant fields. A gently arched wooden bridge spans the foreground, with figures crossing and engaged in leisurely strolls, enhancing the sense of tranquility and calm. Scenes of everyday life are highlighted, including people walking along the embankment and engaging in peaceful pastimes under the watchful presence of the towering trees. The meticulous attention to detail and rich color palette exemplify Hiroshige’s masterful ability to capture the essence and beauty of Edo-period Japan.
