The artwork titled “Ghat in Benares,” created by Hiroshi Yoshida in 1931, belongs to the Shin-hanga art movement and is a cityscape from the “India and Southeast Asia Series.” This work of art illustrates a scene on a ghat in the city of Benares (now Varanasi), India, capturing the essence of the cultural and spiritual significance of the location.
In the artwork, Yoshida skillfully employs vibrant colors and meticulous details to depict an everyday scene along the banks of the Ganges River. The ghat’s broad steps descend into the water, where numerous figures are engaged in various activities such as bathing, washing clothes, and performing rituals. The textured, warm, sunlit walls of the buildings in the backdrop contrast harmoniously with the cool tones of the water, providing a balanced and serene composition. The use of light and shadow adds depth and enhances the three-dimensional quality of the scene, inviting viewers to appreciate the tranquility and spiritual atmosphere of the iconic riverside location.
