THE FIFTY-THREE STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO, "OISO; TO RA NO AME" STATION 9 c. 19th century

Curator: Hiroshige's woodblock print, "Oiso; To Ra No Ame," from his series "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido," really captures a specific moment. It's station number 9 in the series. Editor: Yes, the diagonal rain immediately creates a sense of urgency and makes me wonder about the labor involved in transporting goods. What are those bundles covered with straw? Curator: Those are likely rice bales, vital for sustenance and commerce along the Tokaido road. This print reflects the material realities of travel and trade in Edo-period Japan. Editor: The way Hiroshige uses line and color blocking to depict the rain, the landscape, and the figures speaks to the labor involved in the woodblock printing process itself. Curator: It also speaks to the socio-political importance of infrastructure. These stations weren't just rest stops, they were crucial nodes in the communication and control exerted by the shogunate. Editor: Absolutely! The rain, while visually beautiful, signifies a disruption, an obstacle to the smooth functioning of the Tokaido as a vital trade artery. Curator: Seeing this, I now appreciate Hiroshige's work as both beautiful and informative. Editor: Indeed! It makes me think about the tangible aspects of art, and how it captures the world around us.