Crane in Waves 1835

This is Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "Crane in Waves". Hiroshige produced thousands of such prints during the Edo period in Japan. The crane is a symbol of longevity and good fortune, the waves suggest the power and unpredictability of nature. Consider how such images circulated in Japanese society at the time. Woodblock prints were not unique works of art like paintings or sculptures. They were commercial products. The market for these prints was broad, including merchants and travelers, who were eager for affordable art. They also reflect the growing urbanization and commercialization of Japanese society. Publishers, artists, and woodblock carvers formed a complex network that catered to the demands of the market. The print is both a product of and a reflection on Japanese society in the 19th century. Careful study of historical and commercial documents can shed light on the social conditions that shaped the production and consumption of art.