Miya c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige's 'Miya' is a woodblock print, a medium that inherently speaks to process and labor. This image comes from a series depicting the stations of the Tokaido road, the main thoroughfare connecting Kyoto and Edo, now Tokyo. Notice how the flat planes of color and bold outlines emphasize form and movement. The figures, rendered through a sequence of carved blocks, reveal the hand of the artist. But look closer, and you’ll see a commentary on labor, politics, and consumption. The print depicts a scene of frantic activity, with runners pulling carts and horses at a feverish pace. This wasn't just about capturing a scene, but about the human energy required to keep the commercial arteries of Japan flowing. The medium is as crucial as the message. Hiroshige's prints weren't just art objects; they were products of a complex system involving artists, block cutters, printers, and publishers. Recognizing this reminds us that art is always embedded in wider social and economic conditions.