The artwork titled “Two Mandarin Ducks” is a woodcut created by the artist Hiroshige between 1830 and 1838. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the bird-and-flower painting genre. It is part of the series “53 Stations of the Tokaido Road” and is currently housed at the Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, in Manchester, UK.
The artwork portrays two mandarin ducks in a serene and natural setting. The ducks are depicted with intricate detail, showcasing their plumage and distinctive features. The composition includes elements of foliage artistically arranged to complement the birds. The background exhibits a gentle gradient, creating a tranquil and harmonious ambiance. The ducks appear to be floating on water, rendered with delicate, flowing lines, enhancing the overall elegance and gracefulness of the scene. The piece exemplifies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of Ukiyo-e, emphasizing beauty, simplicity, and nature.
