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Twelve Views of Tokyo: Fukagawa Upper Bridge

Art Appreciation

This captivating woodblock print presents a serene riverscape viewed from beneath a sturdy wooden bridge, whose dark beams starkly contrast with the softly glowing sky. The composition cleverly uses the bridge as a frame, guiding the eye through the intricate lattice of wooden supports toward the calm water beyond, where three sailboats glide quietly across a reflective surface tinted with gradients from deep blue to pale yellow. The palette enchants with its harmonious blend of cool blues and warm yellows, evoking a peaceful twilight or early morning ambiance. The delicate ripples beneath the bridge catch the light, lending a sense of quiet motion that complements the tranquil mood.

Executed with exquisite attention to detail, the print demonstrates traditional Japanese woodblock techniques, showcasing fine gradation of color (bokashi) and precise line work that bring both solidity and softness to the scene. This work, created during the early 20th century, reflects an era in Japanese art where urban and natural worlds blended gracefully, capturing a fleeting moment of daily life with poetic subtlety. The emotional impact is one of calm introspection, inviting the viewer to linger in that quiet space beneath the bridge, feeling the cool water and gentle air mingle in a harmonious embrace.

Twelve Views of Tokyo: Fukagawa Upper Bridge

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1920

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0

Dimensions:

8192 × 5652 px

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