Kannon Slope of the Kiso Highway
Utagawa Hiroshige
"Kannon Slope of the Kiso Highway" is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1834. It is part of the series "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō," which depicts various locations along the Tōkaidō road, a major route connecting Edo (modern Tokyo) to Kyoto. The print illustrates a scenic view of the Kannon Slope, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area. Hiroshige's work is characterized by its use of color, perspective, and attention to detail, reflecting the Edo period's appreciation for landscapes. The print is notable for its depiction of travelers and the interplay between human figures and the surrounding environment. Hiroshige's influence on landscape art is significant, and his works have inspired generations of artists both in Japan and abroad. The exact date of creation is often cited as 1834, but specific details about the commission or context remain unknown. The print is held in various collections, including the Tokyo National Museum and the British Museum.
"Kannon Slope of the Kiso Highway" is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige in the 19th century. The artwork depicts a scenic view along the Kiso Highway, characterized by a gently sloping landscape. The composition features a winding path that leads the viewer's eye through the scene, flanked by lush greenery and distant mountains. Hiroshige employs a harmonious color palette, utilizing soft greens, blues, and earth tones to evoke a sense of tranquility. The use of ink and color on silk enhances the delicate details of the foliage and the atmospheric perspective of the background. The figures in the foreground, rendered with careful attention to proportion, contribute to the narrative quality of the piece. The overall effect is one of serene beauty, capturing the essence of the Japanese landscape during the Edo period.