No. 35, Goyu, from the series The Tōkaidō Road, The Fifty-three Stations (Tōkaidō, GojÅ«san tsugi no uchi) c. 1850 - 1851

Curator: Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, "No. 35, Goyu" from *The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road*, presents a fascinating scene. Editor: It's immediately striking how he renders the depth of night. You feel the weight and fatigue of the human figures. Curator: Indeed, the composition is cleverly structured—the dark, inky tones contrast with the illuminated lanterns and shop fronts. It creates a palpable sense of space and atmosphere. Editor: And consider the labor involved in creating this image. Each color requires a separate block. The skill and collective effort are truly remarkable. Curator: The print’s power lies in its ability to synthesize formal elements with the everyday realities of Edo period life. Editor: Yes, viewing it through materiality, we can appreciate the human effort that is a part of the final product. Curator: A productive tension—between form and lived experience. Editor: Absolutely, a reminder to consider all the hands that went into its creation.