Evening at Tōshōgū Shrine, Ueno, Tokyo 1881

Kobayashi Kiyochika created this woodblock print of Tōshōgū Shrine in Ueno, Tokyo during the Meiji era, a time of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. Kiyochika, trained in both traditional Japanese and Western painting techniques, captured the shifting cultural landscape of his time. Here, Kiyochika presents a tranquil scene of the shrine at night. Lanterns cast a soft glow, contrasting with the deep shadows of the surrounding trees. The shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, was a site of cultural and political significance. Kiyochika’s choice to depict it at night imbues the scene with mystery and reverence. While embracing Western influences in his art, Kiyochika also sought to preserve traditional Japanese aesthetics and values. His work reflects the complex negotiation between tradition and modernity that defined Japan during the Meiji era. He captures a delicate balance between light and dark, inviting us to contemplate the enduring legacy of Japanese culture amidst the currents of change.