Sōjō Henjō c. 1830s

"Sōjō Henjō" (c. 1830s) is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). This *chūtanzaku* (medium-sized print) depicts a solitary figure, likely a Buddhist monk, in a serene landscape setting. The composition is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the figure and its surroundings. Hiroshige's masterful use of color and line creates a sense of depth and tranquility, highlighting the intricate details of the plants and the subtle gradation of the sky. This print is an excellent example of Hiroshige's mastery of *ukiyo-e*, a genre of Japanese art that captured the beauty of everyday life, natural landscapes, and scenes from popular literature.