Scenes from the Tokaido c. 19th century

This 19th-century handscroll, possibly by the artist Hokei, is a depiction of travelers along the Tokaido Road. The artwork, which is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, showcases the daily life of people in Edo-era Japan. Depicting two figures, one riding a horse and the other leading a donkey, the scroll highlights the landscape of the Tokaido Road, a major route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, during this period. The delicate brushstrokes and muted colors of the work reflect the artistic trends of the time, offering a glimpse into the visual culture of 19th-century Japan.