Ryōgoku in the Eastern Capital Possibly 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, Ryōgoku in the Eastern Capital, sometime in the mid-19th century. This print is part of a series called "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." The focus isn't just on the mountain itself, but on how it’s viewed and experienced by people in Edo, now Tokyo. Here, the artist captures the bustling atmosphere of Ryōgoku, a popular entertainment district. Notice the bridge teeming with people, the boats crisscrossing the river, and the figures in the foreground enjoying the scene. Hiroshige's work reflects a growing urban culture and a fascination with leisure and travel among the merchant class. The rise of the publishing industry and the demand for affordable art allowed artists like Hiroshige to thrive. By studying prints like these, along with social histories and economic data, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of Edo-period Japan.