Fuchū--Abe River c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print, Fuchū--Abe River, captures a bustling scene along the Tōkaidō road. This print, part of the series *Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō*, offers insight into the social dynamics of 19th-century Japan. It highlights the vital role of transportation infrastructure during the Edo period. Here, we see travelers being carried across the Abe River, their social status dictating their mode of transport. Hiroshige's composition invites viewers to consider the social hierarchy, with the figures on foot representing the working class, while the seated individuals in the kago chairs embody a higher social standing. Through color and design, Hiroshige critiques the institutions of art, challenging traditional norms. Historical records, travel logs, and sociological studies of the period provide invaluable context for appreciating the intricate narrative embedded within this artwork, reminding us that art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.