Morning View of the Numazu Station on Tōkaidō Road c. 19th century

This is "Morning View of the Numazu Station on Tōkaidō Road," a woodblock print made by Kobayashi Kiyochika. The technique of woodblock printing is particularly well-suited to capturing the subtle qualities of light. Note the way the artist coaxes a sense of atmosphere from simple lines. Woodblock prints like this one are the product of a complex division of labor. Typically, an artist would create the original design. Then, highly skilled artisans would carve the blocks and apply the colors. Finally, a printer would produce the finished image. This print speaks to the industrialization of Japan during the Meiji era. The Tōkaidō Road was a vital transportation route, and Numazu Station was a key stop along the way. Kiyochika's print captures a moment of transition, as Japan embraced new technologies while still holding onto its traditional values. By considering the labor, materials, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the print’s meaning.