The artwork titled “22. Hiroo on Furukawa River,” created by Hiroshige in 1857, is a representative piece of the Ukiyo-e art movement. This landscape artwork is part of the renowned series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” which showcases scenic locations in Edo (present-day Tokyo).
In this composition, Hiroshige artfully portrays a picturesque landscape featuring the tranquil Furukawa River coursing through a verdant expanse. A wooden bridge spans the river in the foreground, providing a focal point around which the scene unfolds. The lush greenery and scattered trees create a sense of depth and natural beauty, accentuated by the contrasting tones of the river’s blue waters and the rich, varied hues of the surrounding landscape. The backdrop is painted with a gradient sky that transitions from a soft red to a pale yellow, evoking the serenity of dawn or dusk. Human figures, albeit small, are visible on the bridge and amidst the greenery, adding a touch of daily life to this peaceful Edo setting. This artwork exemplifies Hiroshige’s masterful ability to capture the essence of fleeting moments in nature, characteristic of the Ukiyo-e genre.
