Artwork

京都名所之内あらし山満花|Cherry Blossoms at Arashiyama, from the series Famous Places of Kyōto

京都名所之内あらし山満花|Cherry Blossoms at Arashiyama, from the series Famous Places of Kyōto is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Executed in ink and color on paper, it portrays a nocturnal view of the Arashiyama district, a celebrated scenic spot near Kyoto.

Created circa 1834 by Utagawa Hiroshige, this woodblock print belongs to his *Famous Places of Kyoto* series. Executed in ink and color on paper, it portrays a nocturnal view of the Arashiyama district, a celebrated scenic spot near Kyoto. The image is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and exemplifies Hiroshige’s focus on landscape rather than the figure‑centric subjects typical of earlier ukiyo‑e.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a river illuminated by a cool blue light under a dark sky. A narrow, stick‑built raft carries three travelers, suggesting a leisurely night crossing. On the opposite bank, leafless trees are brushed with white specks that evoke either snow or cherry blossoms, while small lanterns flicker at the water’s edge, adding a subtle human presence to the natural setting.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employs swift, sketch‑like lines to convey the ripple of water and the forward motion of the raft. The contrast between the deep, shadowed foliage and the luminous river creates a dynamic visual tension. Layered hatching builds depth in the darker areas, while the limited palette of blues, whites, and muted earth tones reinforces the tranquil, nocturnal atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Printed as part of the *Famous Places of Kyoto* series, the work reflects Hiroshige’s mid‑career shift toward travel‑scene prints that documented popular destinations. The piece entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains displayed as an example of Edo‑period landscape printmaking.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.