45 (62) Yatsumi Bridge 1857

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, "45 (62) Yatsumi Bridge," in Japan, likely during the first half of the 19th century. It reflects the cultural significance of landscape in Japanese art and society. The image presents the Yatsumi Bridge, rendered with a meticulous attention to line and form. The bridge spans a river, with boats navigating the waters below. The composition is framed by lush greenery, and Mount Fuji is visible in the distance, a symbol of national identity and spiritual significance. Hiroshige's work emerged during a time of relative peace and economic growth in Japan, when a merchant class had more means and freedom to travel and enjoy their environment. As a result, commercial art grew. Hiroshige’s landscapes helped to feed the desire for the exotic, and the print market shaped what sort of art got made. By consulting historical records, travelogues, and studies of Japanese printmaking, we can begin to unpack the complex social and institutional forces that shaped Hiroshige's art, and the cultural values it embodies.