(Mixed Print of Calligraphies and Paintings) c. 1840s

This mixed print of calligraphy and paintings was made by Utagawa Hiroshige, and is now held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Here, the moon is not merely a celestial body but a powerful symbol of reflection and enlightenment, often used in Eastern art to evoke introspection and the cyclical nature of life. This symbol transcends cultures; just as it illuminates this scene, it has guided countless artists and philosophers. The weeping willow, another key motif, traditionally signifies grief, melancholy, and the transience of beauty. We see it repeated in the western Romantic tradition to suggest emotional depth and the fleeting nature of existence. The solitary figure in the boat reminds us of Charon, ferrying souls across the river Styx in Greek mythology, both of whom evoke a deep sense of introspection and transition. Such symbols tap into our collective unconscious, resonating with themes of mortality and the search for meaning. The cycle of imagery perpetuates, reminding us that art is not confined by time but continues in a perpetual return.