20. The Kawaguchi Ferry and Zenkōji Temple 1857

"20. The Kawaguchi Ferry and Zenkōji Temple" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige, created in 1857. This piece, part of the "Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido" series, depicts the Kawaguchi Ferry, a key point on the Kisokaido Road leading to Zenkōji Temple. The print captures the beauty of the landscape with its winding river, lush greenery, and distant hills. Hiroshige's skillful use of perspective and color creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, showcasing his mastery of the ukiyo-e style. The inclusion of small figures adds scale and humanizes the scene, emphasizing the importance of travel and pilgrimage in Edo-period Japan.