Kanbara- Night Snow [first state] c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print titled "Kanbara - Night Snow" in Japan as part of his series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido." Prints such as these met the rising demand for travel imagery at a time when the expansion of roads and infrastructure was being encouraged by the Tokugawa shogunate. The Tokaido road, connecting Kyoto to Edo (modern Tokyo), became a symbol of cultural and economic integration, and a popular destination for merchants, pilgrims, and travelers. Hiroshige’s image creates meaning through the depiction of a serene winter scene, contrasting with the implied hardship of travel. The print reflects both the beauty of the Japanese landscape and the realities of travel during the Edo period, capturing a moment of quiet contemplation amid the journey. Historians use travel logs, government records, and literature, to better understand the social and cultural significance of the Tokaido road and the role of art in shaping perceptions of travel and identity. This artwork reflects the rich interplay between art, society, and the institutions that shape artistic production.