Hashiba Ferry in Snow Possibly 1864 - 1867

Utagawa Kunisada’s woodblock print, *Hashiba Ferry in Snow*, presents an abstracted winter scene dominated by cool blue hues and stark contrasts. The composition, a vertical ōban, layers the dark, snow-dusted landscape with the vibrant blue of the Sumida River, as tiny white snowflakes pepper the sky, creating a sense of depth. Kunisada masterfully uses line and form to structure the scene and draw the eye across the river to the opposite bank. The figures in the boat, particularly the ferryman with his distinctive attire, are rendered with precise detail, inviting closer inspection of their cultural context. The composition employs a flattening of perspective, typical of ukiyo-e prints, which emphasizes surface design over realistic depth. This print not only captures a moment in time but also reflects the Edo period's aesthetic values. Through a close examination of its formal elements, we can appreciate Kunisada's skill in balancing decorative appeal with narrative content, using the print as a signifier of place, culture, and artistic ingenuity.