Autumn Moon on the Tama River - Utagawa Hiroshige

A serene woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting a full moon over the Tama River. Part of his Eight Views of the Environs of Edo series, it features a prominent willow tree and quiet figures along the riverbank.

This woodblock print is part of the series titled Eight Views of the Environs of Edo, produced by Utagawa Hiroshige between 1837 and 1838. The series adapts a classical Chinese artistic theme to the geography surrounding the city of Edo. This specific work focuses on the Tama River, a location known for its clear water and its role in supplying the capital. The composition features a large willow tree in the foreground. Its long, thin branches hang over the riverbank and sway in a light breeze. A full moon is positioned in the upper centre of the image. Hiroshige used the bokashi technique to create the dark blue colour at the top of the sky, which transitions into a pale cream tone near the horizon. This effect suggests the atmosphere of a cool autumn night. Several figures appear along the river, providing a sense of scale. On the left bank, fishermen stand near the water. A small boat carrying two people moves across the river. In the distance, the silhouettes of low mountains and a small cluster of houses are visible. The artist uses a clear division of space to create depth, moving from the detailed foreground to the distant background. The text in the upper right corner includes the series title and the name of the specific view. It also contains a poem related to the scene. Hiroshige was known for his ability to capture weather and light conditions through the woodblock medium. This print is a characteristic example of his landscape work from the late 1830s.