Iris c. 1840s

"Iris," a woodblock print from the 1840s, showcases the masterful artistry of Utagawa Hiroshige, a renowned Japanese printmaker known for his landscapes. The vibrant purple iris, rendered with delicate detail, takes center stage against a serene blue and cream background. The composition, characterized by graceful lines and a minimalist approach, exemplifies Hiroshige's ability to capture the essence of nature in a single, evocative image. This work, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the captivating beauty and technical mastery of the ukiyo-e style, a popular genre in Japan during the Edo period.