Crossing the River at Sano c. 18th century

Okumura Masanobu created "Crossing the River at Sano," a Japanese woodblock print, during a time when art was becoming more accessible to wider audiences. This print captures a traveler on horseback navigating a river, a scene that speaks to the journeys, both literal and metaphorical, people undertake. Masanobu, positioned as a leading printmaker, likely aimed to capture not just a landscape but also the spirit of adventure and the everyday crossings in people's lives. The choice of a river crossing is particularly resonant, evoking the challenges and transitions inherent in the human experience. It invites us to reflect on the paths we tread, the obstacles we face, and the ever-present journey of life itself.