Gathering Shells at Low Tide at Susaki; from the series 100 Views of Famous Places in Edo 1837 - 1838

"Gathering Shells at Low Tide at Susaki" is a woodblock print from Utagawa Hiroshige’s series "100 Views of Famous Places in Edo". Hiroshige's work captures the everyday life and landscapes of 19th-century Edo, now Tokyo. In this print, we see figures wading through shallow waters, embodying a sense of community and labor, likely women and children engaged in the task of gathering shells. These figures are not merely incidental; they are integral to the scene, their presence a reminder of the interconnectedness between the people and the natural world. The act of shell gathering speaks to a local economy and the daily routines of Edo residents. Hiroshige’s meticulous rendering of the landscape invites contemplation about our relationship with the environment. This print encapsulates both a specific locale and universal themes of human interaction with nature. It offers a glimpse into a world where the rhythms of daily life were intimately tied to the changing tides and seasons.