The artwork titled “72 The Ferry at Haneda and the Benten Shrine” was created by the artist Hiroshige in 1857. It is a woodblock print belonging to the artistic tradition known as Ukiyo-e, which flourished during the Edo period in Japan. This work is part of the “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” series and can be classified within the genre painting and marina categories, depicting a vibrant scene that captures the essence of life and landscape in Edo-era Japan.
The artwork presents a striking view from the perspective of a passenger on a boat, as suggested by the hand grasping a part of the vessel in the foreground. This hand serves as a framing device, drawing the viewer’s gaze towards the middle ground where the serene waters of a river stretch out. In the distance, the reddish glow of the horizon, possibly indicating dusk or dawn, creates a captivating contrast with the calm blue tones of the water.
On the far left side of the artwork, one can observe lush pine trees that partially obscure quaint architectural structures, likely part of a village or the outskirts of a town. The composition also features a sailboat moving across the gently rippled water, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil scene. In the far background, there are several vertical elements that stand out against the sunset-colored sky, possibly indicating markers or structures associated with navigation or local landmarks.
In the lower middle portion of the artwork, a reflection or disturbance in the water’s surface introduces movement and texture, enhancing the depiction of water as a living, changing entity. Overall, the woodblock print showcases Hiroshige’s masterful use of color, perspective, and composition to evoke the beauty and atmosphere of a moment in time along the waterways near Edo (present-day Tokyo).
