Hamamatsu, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, also known as the Tokaido with Poem (Kyoka iri Tokaido)

Utagawa Hiroshige

Created:
Movement:
c. 1837/42
None
key Notes:
"Scenic Landscape" "Travel Series"
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Dimensions:
17.1 × 22.9 cm (6 11/16 × 9 in.)
medium:
Color woodblock print; chuban
story of the work:

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Hamamatsu from the Series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido

The painting "Hamamatsu, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido," created by Utagawa Hiroshige around 1837-1842, is a notable example of the ukiyo-e genre, specifically a color woodblock print in the chuban format. This work is part of Hiroshige's renowned series that captures the scenic beauty and cultural significance of the Tokaido road, a vital route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto during the Edo period. Hiroshige's ability to depict landscapes with a poetic sensibility contributed to the popularization of landscape prints in Japan and influenced Western artists, including the Impressionists. The inclusion of kyoka, or humorous poems, in this series adds a layer of cultural context and entertainment, reflecting the Edo period's vibrant literary culture. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a prolific artist whose work marked the transition from traditional ukiyo-e to a more modern style, emphasizing atmospheric effects and innovative compositions. His artistic legacy endures, as his prints continue to be celebrated for their technical mastery and evocative portrayal of Japan's natural and urban landscapes.

Description of the work:

Hamamatsu, from the Series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido

Created by Utagawa Hiroshige around 1837-1842, this color woodblock print, known as "Hamamatsu," is part of the "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" series, which captures the scenic beauty and cultural significance of the Tokaido road in Japan. The artwork, executed in the chuban format, exemplifies Hiroshige's mastery in ukiyo-e style, characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate details that depict both the natural landscape and the human activity along this historic route.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Hamamatsu, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, also known as the Tokaido with Poem (Kyoka iri Tokaido)