The artwork, titled “Sakanoshita: the Throwing Away the Brush Peak,” was created by the renowned artist Hiroshige around the year 1834. This woodcut, belonging to the Ukiyo-e art movement, measures 35 by 22.5 centimeters and is a landscape genre piece. It is part of the “53 Stations of the Tokaido Road” series and is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork portrays a breathtaking landscape scene, showcasing dramatic mountains and tranquil waters. The composition is marked by the juxtaposition of rugged mountain peaks, depicted with sharp, angular lines, and the serene, flowing water beneath them. In the foreground, small human figures are engaged in various activities near a thatched-roof building, adding a sense of scale and daily life to the majestic natural backdrop. The color palette, dominated by muted blues and earthy tones, enhances the serene and contemplative mood of the piece. Hiroshige’s masterful use of perspective and intricate detailing embodies the essence of the Ukiyo-e movement, capturing the ephemeral beauty of the landscape along the historic Tokaido Road.