Small Bird 1854

This woodblock print, ‘Small Bird’ was made in Japan by Utagawa Hiroshige. The floating world, or ukiyo-e prints, like this, gained popularity in the Edo period, reflecting a shift towards urban culture and merchant class patronage. Hiroshige's work, deeply rooted in the natural world, offered a visual escape for city dwellers. Consider the visual codes: a delicate bird, a symbol of nature, juxtaposed with the vibrant plum blossoms. What does it say about the social conditions in which art is made? The rise of a consumer culture allowed for the circulation of these images, beyond elite circles. This opened new markets for artists and facilitated the exchange of artistic ideas, allowing for the print industry to boom. To truly understand Hiroshige’s prints, one might delve into the social history of Edo-period Japan, examining popular culture. Art, here, becomes a mirror reflecting social change and emerging cultural values.