Fukuroi: Famous Kites of Enshu - Utagawa Hiroshige

A serene woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting three kites flying over the rural rice paddies of Fukuroi, from the Reisho Tokaido series.

This woodblock print, titled Fukuroi: Famous Kites of Enshu, is the twenty-eighth station from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, specifically the version known as the Reisho Tokaido. Utagawa Hiroshige, a master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, captures a quiet rural scene in the Enshu province, now part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The composition is dominated by the expansive, pale blue sky, which provides a canvas for three large kites tethered to the ground. The largest kite features a bold depiction of a lion, a common motif in Japanese folklore, while the others display circular patterns.

Below the kites, the flat, green expanse of the rice paddies stretches toward the horizon. A narrow path winds through the fields, leading the eye toward a small cluster of buildings nestled among trees in the distance. The horizon line is marked by a soft, horizontal band of red and orange, suggesting the early morning or late afternoon light. The use of colour is restrained, relying on the contrast between the cool tones of the fields and the warm glow of the sky.

Hiroshige employs a precise, clean line quality to define the kites and the distant foliage. The print demonstrates his ability to balance human activity with the natural environment. Unlike his earlier, more dramatic series, the Reisho Tokaido prints are characterised by a more formal, calligraphic style, often featuring the title in a red cartouche. This work offers a glimpse into the daily life and local customs of the Edo period, where the flying of kites was a popular pastime. The print is a fine example of the technical skill involved in the woodblock printing process, from the carving of the blocks to the application of pigment on paper.