Amanohashidate Peninsula in Tango Province 

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print of the Amanohashidate Peninsula in Tango Province. Hiroshige's identity as a man in 19th-century Japan shaped his art and his gaze. He was part of a society with strict class structures where his role as an artist, although valued, placed him in a particular social stratum. There is a sense of tranquility in this print; the gentle lapping of the water, the graceful boats, and the lush greenery. It’s not just a depiction of a place but an emotional landscape. In Japan, nature isn't just scenery; it's deeply connected to spiritual beliefs. Elements such as trees and water can represent the harmony of the universe and the cyclical nature of life. Hiroshige’s works served not only as art but also as a cultural mirror, showing Japanese society its values. They invite us to consider how our own identities, our places in society, shape what we see and what we value.