Asuka Hill in the Eastern Capital Possibly 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print titled "Asuka Hill in the Eastern Capital." Visually, the composition is structured around a gentle slope of vibrant green, populated with cherry trees in full bloom. These clusters of blossoms, rendered in soft whites and pinks, create a sense of depth and rhythm that is echoed by the framing of the scene with verdant pine trees on either side. The print’s formalism can be understood through its interplay of color and form; the flat planes of color emphasize the two-dimensionality of the print, while the careful arrangement of elements creates depth and perspective. The inclusion of figures invites contemplation on the relationship between nature and humanity. The delicate lines and soft hues evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. Hiroshige’s work provides a visual structure that embodies the transience of life and the aesthetic concept of *mono no aware*, or the pathos of things. This elegant tension between form and philosophy offers an enduring visual structure for reflection.