THE FIFTY-THREE STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO, "NISSAKA" c. 19th century

Curator: Hiroshige’s “Nissaka” print, part of his “Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido” series, really throws you into the thick of travel, doesn't it? Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by this dichotomy between the stark beauty and the arduous journey depicted. It feels less romantic and more…laborious. Curator: I think that's right, the image really captures the literal uphill battle, doesn't it? You almost feel the strain on the travelers as they make their way up. The figure being carried gives you pause. Editor: Indeed. It begs questions about mobility, class, and who bears the burden, literally and figuratively, in these landscapes. Was this journey accessible to all, or were some relegated to being carried uphill? Curator: The composition almost amplifies this, with the snaking path visually dominating the frame. You know, it almost feels like Hiroshige is asking us to consider the unseen costs of progress and connection. Editor: It is a powerful reminder that landscapes are never neutral. They are imbued with social and political realities, shaping who gets to move freely and who doesn't. It’s an elegant image, but not without a deeper complexity.