The artwork titled “In the Waves at Kakuda enroute to Sado Island” was created by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi around the year 1835. This woodcut artwork belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and is categorized within the landscape genre. Currently, this piece is housed at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Smithsonian Institution) in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork depicts a dramatic maritime scene featuring a boat navigating through turbulent waves. The primary focus is on the towering blue waves, which are intricately detailed, showcasing both movement and intensity. The sky is depicted with a gradient of dark and light shades, adding to the ominous atmosphere of the scene. On the boat, several figures are portrayed, including monks and warriors, some of whom appear to be struggling against the ferocious waves. The sense of urgency and peril is palpable, capturing a moment of intense human struggle against the formidable forces of nature. The visible landmass in the background provides a stark contrast to the chaotic sea, grounding the scene in a specific geographic locale. Through vivid colors and dynamic composition, Kuniyoshi effectively conveys both the beauty and the terror of the natural elements.
