Waterwheel at Onden c. 1834 - 1837

This is Waterwheel at Onden, a woodblock print made by Hokumyō, sometime in the 1830s. Notice how the composition is structured around a large waterwheel, its circular form dominating the left side, creating a dynamic contrast with the static triangular shape of Mount Fuji in the background. The artist employs a limited palette of blues, yellows, and earth tones, which provides a sense of harmony and balance across the scene. The print’s design blends elements of landscape and genre painting, inviting us to consider the relationship between nature and human activity. Here the semiotic interplay between the wheel, the water, and the mountain can be interpreted as a commentary on the cyclical nature of life and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and the natural world. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of this print lies in its ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation, inviting us to reflect on the beauty and simplicity of rural life.