No.Sakanoshita 1847 - 1852

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print, No.Sakanoshita, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, using woodblock printing. This was a laborious craft involving multiple blocks, each carefully carved to apply a different color. The technique allowed for the mass production of images, which were then widely distributed, shaping perceptions of Japanese landscapes and culture. The print showcases not just the scenery but also the social reality of travel. Notice the figures on the road, burdened with their loads. Their posture, clothing, and belongings speak volumes about their socio-economic status. Hiroshige’s masterful use of line and color belies the intensive manual labor involved in creating each impression. The landscape’s romantic portrayal should be understood in conjunction with the realities of work, trade, and distribution that the print embodies. Appreciating the work means thinking about this broader context, rather than just its aesthetic appeal.