Scenes from the Tokaido c. 19th century

This 19th-century Japanese handscroll depicts a scene from the Tokaido, a famous road connecting Edo (modern Tokyo) to Kyoto. Possibly by the artist Hokei, the painting portrays travelers and a torii gate, a traditional Japanese gateway, against a backdrop of mountains and a serene sky. The detailed brushwork and muted colors evoke the tranquility of a journey through the countryside, highlighting the beauty of the Tokaido and the cultural significance of this road. This handscroll, housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, provides a glimpse into the everyday life of travelers in Edo-period Japan.