Okazaki- The Yahagi Bridge c. 1840 - 1842

"Okazaki - The Yahagi Bridge," a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, depicts a scene of daily life in 19th-century Japan. The artwork, created around 1840-1842, showcases a bridge spanning a river with travelers and boats traversing the waters. Hiroshige was known for his meticulous details, as seen in the intricate depiction of the bridge's structure, the surrounding buildings, and the figures. The print evokes a sense of tranquility and captures the essence of Edo-period Japan (1603-1868). This piece is a testament to Hiroshige's talent as a master of ukiyo-e, the popular art style that flourished in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The print is now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.