The artwork, “6. Hatsune Riding Ground in Bakuro Chō,” is a fine example of a woodblock print by the artist Hiroshige, created in the year 1857. This piece is part of the eminent “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” series and is characterized by its Ukiyo-e art movement, which flourished during the Edo period in Japan. The medium, woodblock print, was commonly used in this genre to depict a variety of subjects, with this particular print falling into the genre of cityscape.
The artwork presents a vivid, yet calm cityscape scene. The composition is skillfully structured, utilizing the natural framing device of willow branches that drape into the upper part of the scene, guiding the observer’s eye into the composition. The foreground features a series of colorful fabric strips, presumably drying in the open air, that provide a contrasting rhythm of color, spanning the breadth in sweeping curves. The dynamic yet harmonious arrangement of these strips leads the viewer’s gaze towards the central feature: a wooden tower structure that anchors the scene. The segments of the tower seen through the fabric imbue the artwork with a sense of depth.
In the background, we observe small-scale human figures that lend a sense of life and activity to the otherwise tranquil setting; their presence interacting subtly with the architecture of the distant fenced buildings. Vibrant hues tint the horizon, implying the transition from day to dusk with the subtle suggestion of a sun setting beyond the view. The dedication to detail and atmospheric perspective displays Hiroshige’s masterful ability to capture the balance between nature and the human-made environment. The intricate brushwork and restrained use of color contribute to the serene atmosphere, epitomizing the Ukiyo-e movement’s dedication to beauty, evanescence, and the fleeting moments of everyday life.
