Kraanvogel en rijzende zon 1840 - 1850

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, "Crane and Rising Sun," in Japan during the Edo period. This was a time when Japan was opening to Western influences, and art was both reflecting tradition and incorporating new perspectives. Here, a crane stands proudly amidst crashing waves, with the sun rising behind it. The crane, often a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture, gains a deeper meaning when we think about its significance in a society undergoing rapid change. Its elegant, almost defiant stance against the turbulent sea speaks to resilience. It seems to be a cultural symbol holding firm amidst shifting tides. The rising sun, a national symbol, infuses the scene with hope and renewal. Consider how Hiroshige uses traditional techniques, such as the stylized depiction of waves and the flat perspective, to express a sense of national identity and endurance. The image encapsulates a moment of both vulnerability and strength.