View of the Fudesute Mountain in Sakanoshita c. 1840 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige crafted this woodblock print, "View of the Fudesute Mountain in Sakanoshita," showcasing travelers along a mountain path. Dominating the scene, the pine tree, with its gnarled form, is a symbol of longevity and steadfastness in Japanese art, a visual echo of resilience. Notice how the curve of the tree mirrors the curve of the road and the mountain itself. The travelers, pilgrims perhaps, are making their way. The mountain in the background bears a resemblance to a Chinese scholar's brush, hence the name. Mountains have long stood as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. Consider the ancient Greek notion of the *axis mundi*, or world axis, symbolizing a spiritual center. Whether it's the tree or the mountain, it is a powerful symbol, connecting us to cultural memory, and engaging our subconscious with tales of persistence and spiritual quests.