Shinobazu Pond c. 1839 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige created this horizontal ōban print of Shinobazu Pond. Notice how the composition is divided into distinct zones of color and activity. In the foreground, the cool blues of the pond are dotted with lily pads and small boats, creating a sense of depth and stillness. Above, the warm tones of the buildings contrast with the paler sky. These structures— tea houses—offer a structured space for social gatherings and contemplation. The placement of figures within the architectural framework of these tea houses invites us to consider the relationship between public and private life, nature and culture. The artist uses line and form to create a sense of balance between the natural elements and the built environment. The horizon line divides the print almost equally, underscoring the harmony between earth and sky, drawing attention to a formal symmetry within this seemingly serene landscape. It prompts us to question the layers of reality and representation embedded within the work.