Kinryuzan Temple, Asakusa

This wintry scene of the Kinryzan Temple in Asakusa was part of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, a collection of work by Ando Hiroshige about the city now known as Tokyo. Hiroshige was known for his bold, formal landscapes, which were a surprising departure from the more popular ukiyo-e subjects at the time. This particular scene evokes the beauty of winter: the snow-covered paths and rooftops are cold, yet bright and enticing in the softened light. Snowflakes and silence fall upon the city as the huddled, bundled masses make their way to the temple. Warm reds and browns frame the cool blue sky, keeping in mind the warmth of home, yet drawing us forward and outward.