Avond panorama op de acht gezichten op Kanazawa in de provincie Musashi 1857

This is a woodblock print of a panoramic view of Kanazawa by Utagawa Hiroshige, made in Japan during the Edo period. It gives us an insight into the cultural values attached to landscape in 19th century Japan. This image is one of a series showing famous views of different regions. Hiroshige employs particular visual codes here, such as the panoramic format, muted colors, and the prominent horizon line. The inclusion of small boats and distant mountains also create a sense of depth and scale. These elements evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature, reflecting the influence of Zen Buddhism and Shinto beliefs on Japanese aesthetics. The print served as both a souvenir for travelers and a source of national pride for Japanese citizens. By consulting travel guides, literature, and historical records, we can better understand the cultural and social significance of these landscape prints in 19th-century Japan. This helps us interpret the role of art as something embedded in its historical context.