Kai Province, Monkey Bridge (Kai, Saruhashi), from the series Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan] ([Dai Nihon] RokujÅ«yoshÅ« meisho zue) Possibly 1853 - 1858

Editor: This woodblock print, "Kai Province, Monkey Bridge" by Utagawa Hiroshige, has such a striking composition. The bridge seems almost incidental to the powerful landscape. What can you tell me about the historical context of this work? Curator: Hiroshige's series helped shape Japan's national identity, promoting regional tourism and a collective sense of place. Consider how woodblock prints democratized art, making scenic views accessible to a broad audience. Editor: That's fascinating! So it was more than just art; it was a form of nation-building? Curator: Precisely! It used landscape to create a shared cultural experience. Notice how the exaggerated perspective emphasizes the grandeur of nature. Where do you think these images were displayed and by whom? Editor: Probably in homes, inns, or sold as souvenirs. I see now how it was so effective in shaping a national identity. Thanks! Curator: Indeed! The image and its distribution reveal as much about cultural aspirations as individual expression.