Fording a Broad River (19th century) 3
Imagine trying to cross a wide river without a bridge—Hiroshige's solution is a team of muscular swimmers carrying wooden rafts with passengers perched on top! In this lively ukiyo-e print, elegant women in elaborate kimonos balance precariously as they are ferried across the water, looking completely unfazed by the splashing men below. The artist masterfully contrasts the serene, composed expressions of the ladies with the strenuous effort of the swimmers, all set against a beautiful twilight sky that hints at the end of a long day. It is a fantastic snapshot of Edo-period travel, proving that even a difficult journey can look stylish.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
Views: 7