No.Seki 1847 - 1852

This woodblock print, "No.Seki," was created by Utagawa Hiroshige. The artwork presents a procession of figures against a backdrop dominated by a large, solitary tree atop a small hill. In Japanese art, the tree, especially one of such prominence, often symbolizes longevity, strength, and a connection to the divine. Consider the tree's similarity to the Tree of Life, a symbol that appears in cultures across the globe, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Norse Yggdrasil. Each represents a source of cosmic knowledge and vitality. Here, it also mirrors the archetype of the axis mundi, linking the earthly with the celestial. The collective march of people evokes ideas of pilgrimage and communal purpose. The repeated motif of travelers, bent under burdens, is a powerful image. One might ponder the psychological weight of tradition, memory, and the collective unconscious in shaping cultural identity. It's fascinating how the same symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings throughout time and across cultures.