Old Story of the Otama Pond in Kanda c. 1840s

"Old Story of the Otama Pond in Kanda" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige, created in the 1840s. The artwork depicts a woman kneeling by a pond, tending to a large pot over a small fire, with a cherry blossom tree in the background. This print is a classic example of Hiroshige’s mastery of landscape composition and atmospheric detail. His vibrant use of color, particularly in the blossoming cherry trees, evokes a sense of springtime tranquility and the beauty of the natural world. The print is a poignant reminder of the simple pleasures and traditions of everyday life in Edo-period Japan.