The Life and Legacy of Utagawa Hiroshige: Master of the Ukiyo-e

In partnership with

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.”

– George Bernard Shaw

In today’s email:

• Artwork of the week

• The Life and Legacy of Utagawa Hiroshige: Master of the Ukiyo-e

• JPNSTUDIO X TASCHEN Hiroshige book

Artwork of the Week: Utagawa Hiroshige's "Ōtsuki Plain in Kai Province"

Utagawa Hiroshige, one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e artists, is renowned for his evocative landscape prints that capture the beauty of the Japanese countryside. Among his vast body of work, "Ōtsuki Plain in Kai Province" stands out as a masterpiece that beautifully illustrates Hiroshige's skill in depicting nature and his profound connection to the landscapes of Japan.

This artwork is part of Hiroshige's famous series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," created during the late Edo period. In "Ōtsuki Plain in Kai Province," Hiroshige presents a serene and expansive view of the countryside with Mount Fuji majestically rising in the background. The composition is a perfect balance of the tranquil natural scene in the foreground and the iconic, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance.

Hiroshige's use of color is particularly noteworthy in this piece. The soft gradients of blue and green in the plain create a sense of depth and vastness, drawing the viewer’s eye from the rolling hills and trees in the foreground to the towering presence of Mount Fuji. The mountain itself is depicted with delicate, almost ethereal brushstrokes, emphasizing its spiritual significance in Japanese culture.

The foreground of the print showcases the Ōtsuki Plain, a peaceful and verdant landscape dotted with trees and low-lying vegetation. The simplicity of this natural scene contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of Mount Fuji, highlighting Hiroshige's ability to capture both the intimate details of nature and the awe-inspiring beauty of Japan's most famous mountain.

Hiroshige's "Ōtsuki Plain in Kai Province" is more than just a landscape print; it is a window into the soul of Japan during the Edo period. Through this artwork, Hiroshige invites viewers to contemplate the harmony between nature and human existence, a theme that resonates deeply within Japanese art and culture. The print remains a testament to Hiroshige's mastery of composition, color, and his unique ability to convey the sublime beauty of the natural world.