38 Possibly 1855 - 1857

Utagawa Hiroshige created '38' using woodblock printing, a meticulous process involving carving a design into wood, applying ink, and pressing paper onto the block. Consider the materiality of wood, its grain influencing the carving, and the paper's absorbency affecting the print's texture. The distinct lines and flat planes of color were achieved through a labor-intensive process of carving multiple blocks, one for each color. This print is from a series called 'Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road', representing a key trade route between Edo, now Tokyo, and Kyoto. The cultural significance lies in the ways woodblock prints democratized art in Japan. They allowed for mass production and distribution, making art accessible to a broader audience beyond the elite. Woodblock printing was a specialized craft, demanding skilled labor and collaboration between artists, carvers, and printers. Appreciate the skill in capturing the essence of a snowy landscape through this intricate and multi-layered process. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for its artistic value.