Marugame in Sanuki Province Possibly 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, "Marugame in Sanuki Province," its horizontal format typical of the ōban size, invites us into a serene coastal scene. The composition is strikingly divided, with a vast expanse of water dominating the view beneath a narrow strip of sky. This design emphasizes depth and distance. The varying sizes of the boats scattered across the water create a rhythm, guiding the eye toward the distant mountains. Hiroshige masterfully uses atmospheric perspective, with the colors fading into the horizon, enhancing the sense of space. The town is nestled at the foot of a lush, verdant hill, providing a counterpoint to the open sea. Through a delicate balance of color, line, and form, Hiroshige’s print captures the essence of Marugame, offering us not just a view, but a structured meditation on space, distance, and place. Its enduring appeal lies in this very ability to structure our perception and draw us into a world both immediate and infinite.