Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems 1843 - 1846

This woodblock print, "Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems", was created by the famous Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige (I) between 1843 and 1846. It is a striking example of ukiyo-e, the genre of Japanese woodblock prints that flourished in the Edo period. The print depicts a samurai in a dynamic pose, drawing his sword, with a smaller figure in the background, creating a sense of action and drama. It is one of a series of prints by Hiroshige inspired by the Hundred Poems of One Hundred Poets, a collection of Japanese poetry. This particular print is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the enduring legacy of Japanese art.