Suhara, from the series Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido c. 1835 - 1836

This woodblock print, "Suhara," from Utagawa Hiroshige's series "Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido," depicts a scene of travelers seeking shelter from a downpour. The composition is characteristic of ukiyo-e art, with an emphasis on perspective and atmospheric detail. The rain is depicted with fine lines, giving the impression of a light but persistent downpour, while the travelers, some silhouetted in the distance, are rendered with careful detail. "Suhara" is one of the many stations along the Kisokaido, the historic road connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Kyoto, and highlights the beauty and challenges of travel in Edo-era Japan. The work's depiction of everyday life and the interplay of nature and humanity has made it a beloved example of Hiroshige's artistry.