Kogane Plain in Shimōsa Province Possibly 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, Kogane Plain in Shimōsa Province, as part of the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. Here we see an iconic symbol of Japan through the lens of its own contemporary culture. The Tokugawa shogunate strictly regulated society, and travel was only permitted under certain conditions. Hiroshige's series captured the popular imagination, allowing viewers to experience the beauty of their country through art. The image presents a picturesque view of horses grazing peacefully on the Kogane Plain, with the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. The meticulous lines and blocks of color emphasize natural harmony, reflecting a deep connection between the Japanese people and their environment. To fully appreciate this print, we can consult historical records and travel guides from the Edo period. Through this research, we begin to understand the social and institutional context that shaped Hiroshige's art. This reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum. Instead, its meanings are contingent on the world around it.