Evening View of Kasumigaseki c. 1837 - 1838

Editor: This is "Evening View of Kasumigaseki," a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, made around 1837 or '38. There's a stillness to this cityscape that I find so appealing. Everyone seems to be moving with purpose. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: Ah, Hiroshige, he had such an eye for the poetry of everyday life! For me, it’s the light. Notice how the soft pinks and oranges at the horizon meet the deepening blues of the sky, that sense of fleeting time as the day surrenders. But the umbrellaed figures marching away really set a nice mood in relation to those colours. What do you think? Editor: I love how you point out the use of color to create that effect. It makes me think of theater! I'm curious about the architecture, does it play into that? Curator: Definitely! These clean, uncluttered buildings are not just there for decoration, darling! They’re defining a cultural space and rhythm. Notice how they guide your eye down the lane. Hiroshige emphasizes the connection of nature and culture. See the strategic placing of those ancient and wizened trees. They act like gatekeepers between different realms of existence, like a wink to the Shinto beliefs perhaps! Does that inspire a new interpretation? Editor: That's so insightful! It almost feels like the umbrellas are mimicking the forms of the trees as well. Like another version of nature. Curator: You're catching on beautifully! Hiroshige blurs the line. The human presence, these figures with their umbrellas, are an integrated dance with nature, they are as vital as the sun setting. A sense of acceptance. Do you feel a harmony of humanity, structure, and nature? Editor: I totally agree! Now I understand more. There's more harmony in the scene than initially meet the eye. Thanks for unveiling that for me! Curator: My absolute pleasure! Each viewing can peel off another gossamer layer, and that's the joy of it.