東海道五十三次之内　嶋田

Art Historical Context

Utagawa Hiroshige1797–1858), a master of ukiyo woodblock prints, captures the essence of travel in Edo-period Japan with *Tōkaidō Gojūsan-tsugi no uchi: Shimada* (Shimada Station from *The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō*). This early 20th-century impression belongs to one of Hiroshige's celebrated series, first published in 183334, depicting the 53 post stations along the vital Tōkaidō highway linking Edo (modern Tokyo) to Kyoto. Shimada, the 23rd station, evokes the journey's perils and beauty, blending everyday life with nature's grandeur. In this compact 7 x 9-inch print, vibrant inks and colors on paper bring to life a riverside scene framed by towering mountains and dotted with human figures—likely travelers navigating the Ōi River crossing, a notorious challenge. Hiroshige's genius lies in his atmospheric perspective, subtle gradations of color (via techniques like *bokashi* shading), and dynamic compositions that draw viewers into the "floating world" of transient moments, hallmarks of ukiyo-e's focus on landscapes and urban-rural life. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, this gift from Cole J. Younger in 1975 exemplifies the enduring popularity of Hiroshige's work, which influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Whistler. It offers a window into Japan's cultural heritage, celebrating the harmony of human endeavor and the natural world.

About the Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige · 1826–1869

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), born Andō Tokutarō, was the last great master of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printmaking and one of the most influential landscape artists in history. Born in Edo (modern Tokyo) into a low-ranking samurai family serving as fire wardens, Hiroshige transformed landscape printmaking into a poetic meditation on nature, weather, and everyday life. His revolutionary approac...