Mishima 1841 - 1842

This woodblock print, "Mishima," was created by Utagawa Hiroshige. Dominating the scene are the gnarled pine trees, symbols of longevity and steadfastness in Japanese culture. Notice the travelers, their umbrellas unfurled, making their way along the Tōkaidō road. The pine tree, with its evergreen needles, appears across cultures—from ancient Roman gardens to Renaissance paintings. It is a motif charged with meanings of immortality and resilience. In Japan, it is often paired with other auspicious symbols, like the plum blossom or crane, to create a harmonious image of long life and happiness. Consider how the artist’s arrangement of the travelers along their path creates a sense of journey, of transition. This visual representation taps into our collective unconscious, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the continuous thread of human experience. Like the pine, the artwork's motifs have roots in the past yet extend far into the future.