Mariko 1906

This is Mariko, a woodblock print made by Utagawa Hiroshige. It's all about the process of layering colors, creating this dreamy, flat world. It’s like Hiroshige is saying, “Hey, let’s look at how we look.” Check out the surface: it’s smooth, but those delicate lines give it a sense of depth. Notice the bare tree branches against the sky, they're not trying to trick you into thinking they are real. The shapes almost feel like drawings. And that sky! It's not a sky, it's a mood. The way the artist uses color is so interesting. It’s not about matching reality but creating a harmony. Hiroshige reminds me of Morandi, who could turn a bunch of bottles into a whole universe of feeling. Both artists show us how art is just an ongoing conversation. It’s all open to interpretation.