Shinagawa Susaki - Utagawa Hiroshige

A serene woodblock print from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, depicting the coastal shrine at Shinagawa Susaki.

This woodblock print, titled Shinagawa Susaki, is part of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. Utagawa Hiroshige produced this collection between 1856 and 1858, capturing the changing atmosphere of the city during the final years of the Edo period. The composition looks out over the bay of Edo from the Susaki area, a location known for its scenic views and religious sites.

The foreground features a small, wooded promontory where a shrine stands among pine trees. A red torii gate marks the entrance, providing a contrast to the surrounding greenery. Below, a wooden bridge spans a narrow inlet, with small boats navigating the calm water. In the distance, the bay stretches toward the horizon, dotted with white-sailed vessels. A flock of birds forms a faint line across the sky, adding a sense of movement to the quiet scene.

Hiroshige employs a sophisticated use of colour, particularly in the gradation of the sky. The transition from a deep indigo at the top to a pale yellow and soft red near the horizon suggests the early hours of the day. This technique, known as bokashi, allows for smooth tonal shifts that define the light quality. The water is rendered in varying shades of blue, creating depth through the use of horizontal lines and subtle colour changes. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to balance architectural elements with the natural environment. The sharp lines of the buildings and the bridge provide structure, while the organic shapes of the trees and the expansive water create a sense of openness. This work remains a representative example of the Ukiyo-e tradition, documenting the geography and daily life of nineteenth-century Japan.