Fukuroi c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige's "Fukuroi" is an ukiyo-e woodblock print, part of the "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" series. It offers a glimpse into early 19th-century Japan through the lens of travel and its impact on local communities. At first glance, the print captures a serene rest stop, yet it subtly reveals the hierarchies structuring Japanese society. We see travelers, likely merchants or officials, pausing at Fukuroi station. Their attire and demeanor suggest a class distinction from the locals tending to their needs. The composition highlights labor, class, and the gendered roles present in this society. Hiroshige, through his art, invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between travel, social class, and regional identity in 19th-century Japan. The print not only captures a moment in time but also subtly comments on the societal structures and human interactions that define it.