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Group: Forces of Nature Artist: Utagawa HIROSHIGE Birth/Death: 1797–1858 Title: View of Naruto Strait in Awa Date Made: 1857 Lender: Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio Credit Line: Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore In Japanese poetry of the early eighth century the seasons are symbolised by the traditional subject of Snow, Moon and Flowers. Eleven centuries later Hiroshige expressed the enduring appeal of this subject in a series of three triptychs. The second work in the series illustrates the treacherous waters of Naruto Strait. The distinctive whirlpools that form in this strait represent the ‘flowers of the sea’. More details Click image to enlarge