The artwork titled “81. Ushimachi in Takanawa” by the artist Hiroshige, dated 1857, is a woodblock print that belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. This cityscape and marina genre piece is part of the series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.”
In this artwork, a serene waterfront scene unfolds. The foreground is dominated by the intricate details of a large wooden wheel, partially visible to the right side of the print. Beneath the wheel, a small calf is depicted standing near scattered watermelon slices, adding a touch of pastoral charm to the scene. Beyond the wheel, the harbor is filled with numerous boats of various sizes with sails raised, gently floating on the calm waters. The horizon’s soft gradient shifts from a warm, pale peach near the shore to the cool blues of the upper sky, capturing the tranquil ambiance of the cityscape. Overall, the composition elegantly merges both urban and natural elements, reflecting the harmonious coexistence within Edo’s bustling environment.
