Kyoto 1906

This print, Kyoto, was made by Utagawa Hiroshige, and you can tell it’s a woodblock print because of the flat, even colors, and clear outlines. It's like seeing the world distilled to its simplest, most elegant forms. Check out how the bridge stretches across the scene. You can almost feel the gentle sway as people cross it, tiny figures against a landscape that feels both vast and intimate. The mountains in the background are rendered with a soft, hazy quality, which gives the whole scene a dreamlike atmosphere. The texture is smooth, with each element carefully delineated, from the intricate latticework of the bridge supports to the delicate foliage on the distant hills. Look at the way Hiroshige uses color—muted blues and greens, soft pinks—to evoke a sense of tranquility. Hiroshige’s contemporary was Hokusai. Both artists elevated the art of Japanese woodblock printing to new heights. They shared a fascination with landscapes and everyday life, but their approaches were distinct. Hokusai was known for his dynamic compositions and dramatic use of perspective, while Hiroshige favored a more lyrical, intimate style.