WINTER IS COMING EARLY
THROUGH THE EYES OF HIROSHIGE
Winter Solitude—
in a world of one color
the sound of wind.*
Matsuo Basho
Utagawa Hiroshige, Kinryuzan Temple at Asakusa, 1856, color wood print, Private Collection
Two of Japan’s most famous creative spirits, artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) and poet Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), often expressed the unique atmosphere of a snowy day, whether visually or in verse. Although Hiroshige in Kinryuzan Temple at Asakusa emphasizes the communal experience while Basho prefers the aloneness of Winter Solitude.
*Translated by Robert Hass.
The above image is used solely for educational purposes.
