114. Bikuni Bridge in Snow 1857

This woodblock print, Bikuni Bridge in Snow, was made by Utagawa Hiroshige, likely in the 1850s. The scene depicts a common sight of everyday life in Japan, transformed by falling snow. Hiroshige was part of the Ukiyo-e school, which was supported by the rise of a prosperous merchant class in the Edo period. Artists of this school typically depicted urban life and landscapes, and their works were made available to a wide public. Note the carefully placed figures, bridge and signage, all of which are framed by snow. The print hints at the economic activity supporting the artistic movement. Further, this artwork also speaks to the urbanization and growing commercialization of Japanese society during the Edo period. The ability to produce and distribute prints like these relied on complex social and economic networks. By consulting historical records, economic data, and studies of urban development, we can gain a greater understanding of this artwork and its role in the visual culture of its time.