New Years At the Temple
1797-1858
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of the Estate of Mrs. Robert H. Patterson
Accession Number
1941-31-186
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Ando Hiroshige (1797–1858), one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e masters is renowned for his evocative landscapes that capture the fleeting beauty of nature and daily life. "New Years At the Temple," classified as a landscape, likely depicts the vibrant energy of Japan's traditional New Year's celebrations—known as *Shōgatsu*—at a sacred temple site. During this time, crowds flock for *hatsumode*, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune. Hiroshige's works often blend serene natural settings with human activity, offering a poetic glimpse...