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Tokyo Twenty Views: Shin-Ohashi Bridge 1926

Art Appreciation

This evocative print captures a quiet moment on a rain-soaked bridge under the cloak of night. The composition draws the eye to the intricate ironwork of the bridge, its geometric lines sharply silhouetted against the deep, moody blues and blacks of a stormy sky. The glossy surface of the wet pavement reflects the soft glow of spherical street lamps, their warm orange light creating a striking contrast against the cold darkness. A lone rickshaw, almost blending into the shadows, stands silently, evoking a sense of stillness and solitude. The texture of the rain is delicately suggested by vertical streaks, lending a sensory feel to the scene—one can almost hear the patter of raindrops and feel the cool, damp air.

The artist's mastery of woodblock technique is evident in the subtle gradations of color and the fine detail in the bridge's iron framework. The color palette—a mix of muted blues and blacks punctuated by warm yellows and oranges—imbues the scene with a quiet melancholy and timeless beauty. Historically, this print reflects early 20th century urban Japan, blending modern industrial elements with traditional transportation. The emotional resonance lies in the tranquil loneliness that such urban nightscapes evoke, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a moment of quiet contemplation amid the ceaseless flow of city life.

Tokyo Twenty Views: Shin-Ohashi Bridge 1926

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1926

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Dimensions:

2744 × 3972 px

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