The artwork, entitled “18. The Ōji Inari Shrine,” was created by the renowned artist Hiroshige in 1857. This piece is realized through the medium of a woodblock print and belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. Specifically, it falls under the landscape genre and is part of the celebrated series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.”
The scene depicted in the artwork centers on the Ōji Inari Shrine, presenting a vantage point that highlights the tranquility and natural beauty of the setting. Tall trees stretch skyward, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the twilight-hued sky, which exhibits a gentle gradient from a soft peach near the horizon, transitioning into a deeper twilight blue. In the foreground, the striking red railing and structural elements of the shrine add vibrancy and structure to the scene. The midground captures a gathering of figures, possibly visitors or worshippers, adding a human element to the composition. The serene backdrop showcases distant mountains, which punctuate the horizon, reinforcing the depth and expansiveness of the landscape. The combination of delicate details and a harmonious color palette effectively transports the viewer to a moment of profound peace and contemplation within the historic Edo period.
