START WITH ART: New Year's Eve Foxfires at the Changing Tree, Ōji

We're starting our day by examining the woodblock print pictured below. Take a look at the artwork then read the questions to the students/children in your life and see how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking!

Title: New Year's Eve Foxfires at the Changing Tree, Ōji

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige

Date: 1857

Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Dimensions: 32.5 × 21.9 cm

Start with Art Questions:

• What do you see in Hiroshige's woodblock print "New Year's Eve Foxfires at the Changing Tree, Ōji"? Can you identify the foxfires, the changing tree, and any other interesting details in the print? 

• Why do you think the foxfires are featured in this artwork, and what do they symbolize? How do the foxfires contribute to the atmosphere of New Year's Eve?

• If you were celebrating New Year's Eve in Hiroshige's artwork, what activities or traditions do you think you might be partaking in? How does the artwork inspire your thoughts about festive celebrations?

Add our START WITH ART calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add." Share how you're folding this into your daily routine by tagging us on Instagram @pageofarthistory and/or the tag #startwithart 🖼️