The artwork titled “Itsukushima in Aki Province” is a woodcut created by the artist Hiroshige between the years 1852 and 1858. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls within the landscape genre. The artwork is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features a serene depiction of the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic torii gate standing in the water. It presents a tranquil coastal scene at dusk, with the torii gate prominently in the foreground, partially submerged in water, symbolizing the harmony between nature and human construction. Boats with billowing sails float gently on the water to the left, while lush green trees and distant hills create a picturesque backdrop. The shrine buildings, painted in rich hues, are visible along the shoreline on the right, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the scene. The inclusion of boats and the evening sky capture a moment of stillness and beauty, reflective of Hiroshige’s mastery in conveying the ephemeral beauty of the natural world.
