The artwork titled “71 (61) Scattered Pines on the Tone River” is a woodblock print by the artist Hiroshige, contributing distinctly to the Ukiyo-e art movement. This work is part of the larger series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” which is renowned for its landscape and genre painting themes. The genre of Ukiyo-e is characterized by its portrayal of the ephemeral world, capturing the lifestyle and aesthetics of Edo-period Japan.
The artwork itself presents a serene riverscape scene under a broad expanse of sky that fades from a dusky blue to a lighter hue near the horizon, suggesting either early morning or evening light. Two cranes can be seen in flight in the upper left portion of the artwork, symbolizing grace and adding a tranquil dynamic quality to the scene. Dominating the right side of the composition is the sturdy hull of a boat, meticulously detailed with individual planks and rigging, its sail unfurled yet limply hanging, implying a calm on the water.
To the left, the Tone River stretches toward the horizon, lined with slender pines, which are scattered sparingly across the distant bank, offering a sense of calmness and solitude. The river surface is portrayed with gentle ripples and is animated with several small boats, where figures are engaged in fishing—offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people interacting with the natural landscape. Foreground reeds, slightly swaying, lead the viewer’s eye into the depth of the scene, enhancing the overall feeling of depth and spaciousness.
This artwork is defined by the deliberate use of perspective, color, and composition, hallmarks of Hiroshige’s stylized landscapes, and it continues to have a lasting impact on the genre and its enthusiasts.
