Hiroshige and Japan art: Cherry blossoms and nature
Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Hiroshige-japan-art-Koganei-bridge.jpg)
Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) and other esteemed ukiyo-e artists inspired many impressionists hailing from Europe and North America. This includes Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, Utamaro, and several others.
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Hiroshige-japan-art-cherry-blossom.png)
Hiroshige’s world of tradition in the early nineteenth century would alter dramatically during the late stages of the Edo Period. Hence, changing artistic practices within traditional art forms (rinpa to ukiyo-e) were beginning to emerge in this dynamic period of Japanese history.
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hiroshige-japan-art-arashiyama.jpg)
MFA Boston (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) says, “One of the most popular spots in Edo for cherry-blossom viewing was Asuka Hill, where in good weather visitors could see not only the blossoms, but the scenic cone of Mount Fuji rising in the far background.”
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hiroshige-japan-art-cherry-blossoms-koganei.jpg)
In the art piece below, people are enjoying the many areas of Asuka Hill. Hence, one can imagine people from all classes and occupations, enjoying each cherry blossom season – with the view of Mount Fuji at its stunning best.
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hiroshige-japan-art-asuka-hill.jpg)
Hiroshige brings to life magical landscapes and enchanting views connected to the potent psyche of cherry blossoms. The natural beauty alone is awe-inspiring. However, the bigger picture connects Japanese people to the past, personal individual memories, coming of age, friendship, and knowing that each fleeting year should be cherished just like life.
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mtt.png)
PLEASE DONATE TO HELP MODERN TOKYO TIMES
Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times group
DONATIONS to SUPPORT MODERN TOKYO TIMES – please pay PayPal and DONATE to sawakoart@gmail.com
http://moderntokyotimes.com Modern Tokyo Times – International News and Japan News
http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi’s website – Modern Tokyo Times artist
https://moderntokyonews.com Modern Tokyo News – Tokyo News and International News
PLEASE JOIN ON TWITTER
https://twitter.com/MTT_News Modern Tokyo Times
PLEASE JOIN ON FACEBOOK