41. Hachiman Shrine in Ichigaya 1857

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, “41. Hachiman Shrine in Ichigaya”, as part of his series *One Hundred Famous Views of Edo*. Hiroshige made these prints during a period of significant social and cultural transformation in Japan. During the Edo period, travel became more accessible to commoners, which led to a boom in travelogues and landscape prints. The artist captured not just famous landmarks, but also the everyday life of Edo's residents, including the merchant and working classes. Here, Hiroshige captures the Hachiman Shrine, a spiritual and cultural center, alongside the bustling urban life of Ichigaya. The contrast reflects the intersection of tradition and change. Hiroshige's prints often evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The birds flying overhead can be seen as a symbolic connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. What emotions does this artwork evoke in you? What aspects of your own identity and history do you reflect on when viewing this image of community and cultural identity?