The Kinuta Jewel River in Settsu Province c. 1835

Here is a woodblock print titled "The Kinuta Jewel River in Settsu Province" made by Utagawa Hiroshige. This print is dominated by the interplay of vertical and horizontal elements, creating a carefully structured composition. The verticality of the tree trunk and the figures contrasts with the horizontal expanse of the river and the distant horizon, dividing the space while the curves of the branches and the moon soften the rigidity, creating a sense of tranquility. Hiroshige masterfully manipulates the visual field, using the figures in the foreground to draw the viewer into the scene. The cool blues and greens evoke a sense of quietness, while the placement of the moon invites reflection on time. It’s an exploration of spatial relationships, where the interplay of solid and void, near and far, asks us to contemplate our place within the larger world.