The road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto 1850

This print was created by Utagawa Hiroshige, depicting a scene on the road connecting Edo and Kyoto. It’s made using woodblock printing, a demanding process where each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and then printed in precise registration. The lines are crisp, and the colors are flat and vibrant, owing to the nature of the printing process and the materials used – paper, wood, ink. Look at how the artist uses these qualities to convey texture. The trees are rendered with careful detail, each needle-like leaf distinct, while the water is a smooth expanse, reflecting light. Consider, too, the social context. Woodblock prints like this were relatively affordable, allowing ordinary people to own and enjoy art. They also served as a kind of visual tourism, depicting famous landscapes and scenes from everyday life. Hiroshige’s skilled craft and understanding of materials elevated this popular art form. The prints offer insights into the landscapes, people, and customs of the time.