Procession of a Daimyo c. 1681 - 1684

Hishikawa Moronobu created this print, "Procession of a Daimyo", using woodblock and ink. The subdued palette and ordered composition create a sense of calm, despite the regimented movement of the figures. The print is structured by a series of horizontal bands, each occupied by figures in procession. Note how Moronobu uses line to define each figure distinctly, and the flat, unmodulated color adds to the print's graphic quality. This deliberate two-dimensionality reflects a sophisticated understanding of spatial representation that deviates from traditional Western perspective. The repetition of forms and the rhythmic spacing of figures give the image a sense of formal order, yet Moronobu subtly disrupts this order. The figures' faces, though similar, each have distinct expressions, suggesting individuality within the rigid structure of the procession. This interplay between order and subtle variation challenges fixed notions of hierarchy and representation. The artwork’s aesthetic value lies not just in its depiction of a historical scene, but also in its sophisticated manipulation of form and space. It provides a lens through which to examine the complex interplay of power, representation, and identity in Edo period Japan.