The artwork, titled “9. Yatsukōji, Inside Sujikai Gate,” created in 1857 by the esteemed artist Hiroshige, is a woodblock print representative of the Ukiyo-e art movement. As a landscape genre piece, it is part of the well-acclaimed series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.”
The artwork depicts a bustling scene within the Sujikai Gate, where numerous figures are illustrated, engaging in various activities. The composition aligns with the Ukiyo-e style, characterized by its vibrant use of color and attention to architectural and naturalistic details. The landscape captures a harmonious blend of urban and natural elements, with buildings and trees juxtaposed against the serene backdrop of a red-tinted sky, possibly indicating either dawn or dusk. The subtle gradation in the sky from red to blue enhances the atmospheric perspective, adding depth to the scene. The precise rendering of human figures and their interactions provides a vivid glimpse into the daily life of Edo during the period. Such details underline Hiroshige’s masterful ability to convey both the aesthetic charm and cultural essence of his era.
