Vossenvuren op Oudejaarsavond bij de Shozoku netelboom in Oji 1857

This is Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print depicting foxfires on New Year's Eve near the nettle tree in Oji. Made during the Edo period, this print captures a vibrant scene steeped in folklore and local tradition. The image presents foxes gathering under a tree, their glowing bodies creating an ethereal spectacle against the dark, starry night. In Japanese folklore, foxes are often seen as mystical creatures, capable of shapeshifting and possessing great wisdom. As such, this depiction blurs the boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds. The artist uses the foxfires to evoke a sense of wonder. These foxes symbolize both playful trickery and deeper spiritual connections. Hiroshige invites us to consider how cultural beliefs and traditions shape our perceptions of the natural world. By using symbolism and captivating imagery, he connects the viewer to the cultural practices and emotional landscapes of Edo-period Japan.