Dimensions 13 3/16 × 8 11/16 in. (33.5 × 22.1 cm) (image, vertical ōban)
This woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicts an eagle soaring above the Fukagawa Susaki area. The majestic eagle isn’t merely a bird; it's a symbol of power, freedom, and a piercing vision that transcends earthly boundaries. Consider how the image of the eagle has flown through centuries, from the Roman standards to the crests of emperors, always signifying authority and divine right. Here, the eagle gazes intently downwards. This recurring motif appears throughout history. Think of Zeus as an eagle carrying Ganymede to Olympus; the image of an all-seeing, all-powerful creature. The power of the eagle is not just in its physical prowess, but in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and respect. The sweeping view, the implied narrative, draws us in, engaging our subconscious with primal symbols of dominance and freedom. Like a dream, this scene stirs deep, often unspoken emotions. And so, the eagle continues its flight through our collective consciousness. Its symbolic journey forever circling, adapting, and influencing our art and dreams.
Comments
Jñmantsubo (100,00 tsubo or about 8 acres) was a large tract of land along the coast of Susaki, on the outskirts of Edo. In illustrating this rather desolate area from a "bird's-eye" view, Hiroshige cleverly depicted an actual bird-an eagle. The print with the darker background (right) is from a later edition, although the deterioration of the woodblocks-discernable through slight discrepancies in registration-is hardly noticeable.
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