A woodblock print by Hiroshige, 'Chrysanthemums' features delicate blossoms in pink and red against blue-green foliage, set within a fan-shaped composition typical of the Ukiyo-e style.

This woodblock print by Hiroshige (1797-1858) depicts a spray of chrysanthemums arranged in a fan-shaped composition. Hiroshige, a master of the Ukiyo-e style, was a prominent artist of 19th-century Japan, celebrated for his depictions of nature and urban life. His work often captures the transient beauty of the natural world, reflecting the aesthetic principles of Ukiyo-e, which translates to 'pictures of the floating world'. The print features several chrysanthemum blossoms in shades of pink and red, set against a background of blue-green foliage and a neutral-toned ground. The composition is divided into distinct areas, with a light, almost blank space on the left contrasting with the more detailed floral arrangement on the right. The flowers are rendered with delicate lines and subtle gradations of colour, characteristic of Japanese woodblock printing techniques. The fan shape itself adds a decorative element, framing the natural subject within an artificial boundary. The print showcases Hiroshige's ability to blend naturalism with stylised design, creating a harmonious and visually appealing image.