東海道五十三次鉢山図絵|Views of Instructions for Bonsai along the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō gojūsantsugi hachiyama zue) 東海道五十三次鉢山図絵
Medium
Set of two woodblock printed books; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
each: 9 13/16 × 6 13/16 in. (25 × 17.3 cm)
Classification
Illustrated Books
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift, 2013
Accession Number
2013.863a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Views of Instructions for Bonsai along the Fifty-three Stations the Tōkaidō** (1848) by Utagawa Yoshishige is a charming set of two woodblock books from Japan's Edo period (16151868). Produced in ink and color on paper each volume measures about 13/16 × 6 13/16 inches, blending scenic views of the historic Tōkaidō road—famous for its 53 post stations between Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto—with practical guides to bonsai cultivation. Yoshishige, a member of the prolific Utagawa school of ukiyo-e artists, captures villages, houses, and trees in vibrant, detailed illustrations that evoke the era...