Katsushika Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e I will explain Ushibori in Hitachi Province in Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
Ushibori in this ukiyo-e is located on the east bank of Lake Kasumigaura, in present-day Itako-cho (former Ushibori-cho), Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Ushibori is on the east bank of Lake Kasumigaura. In the past, there were many ships coming and going as a route to Kashima and Choshi.
Lake Kasumigaura is known as a scenic spot where you can see Mt. Fuji.
This ukiyo-e is thought to depict the beginning of the day for people living in tomabune boats covered with toma woven from suge and thatch.
The man leaned out of the boat, perhaps as if he was preparing breakfast, and threw rice-rinsing soup into the river.
Combined with the reeds of the tomabune-patterned kimono, it expresses a rustic atmosphere. It is also a motif that symbolizes “Ukifune” in The Tale of Genji.
Even within the bold composition of this ukiyo-e print, it is a work full of lyrical power that evokes the calmness of the pre-dawn atmosphere.
Current Itako City is part of the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park.
It is a sightseeing spot peculiar to the water town, with its iris spots centering on the Suigo Itako Ayame Garden and the 12 Bridges Meguri that goes around the river.
Agriculture centered on rice cultivation is thriving.
This ukiyo-e is from around 1830 to 1832. Hokusai is around 72 years old.
