Sumida River 1897

This woodblock print, titled Sumida River, was created by Kobayashi Kiyochika. The artwork draws us into a tranquil scene through its careful arrangement of forms and colours. The composition is neatly divided between land and water. Note how the diagonal sweep of the embankment, coupled with the vertical rhythm of wooden posts, creates a sense of depth. Kiyochika plays with the interplay of shapes; the organic forms of trees and foliage contrast with the geometric regularity of the man-made structures. Colour, too, serves a key role. The soft pinks of the cherry blossoms offer a visual counterpoint to the greens and blues of the landscape. Consider how Kiyochika utilises line to define the forms, capturing not just the visual appearance of the scene, but its underlying structure. The artist offers us not just a picture of a river, but also a study in form and structure, echoing deeper philosophical concerns about our perception.