No. (sic c. 1835 - 1838

This woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige captures the 69th station of the Kisokaidō Road, offering us a window into 19th-century Japan. The Kisokaidō was one of five major routes built during the Edo period, a time when the ruling Tokugawa shogunate sought to centralize power and control movement across the country. Here, we see travelers on this vital artery, a reminder of the period's complex social engineering. Hiroshige's work wasn't just picturesque; it also reflected the shogunate's efforts to standardize travel and promote commerce. The print is a product of its time, but it also transcends it by inviting us to reflect on how governments and institutions can shape the landscape and everyday lives of people. Understanding this artwork requires delving into Japan's social and political history. By examining archival documents, maps, and other cultural artifacts, we can better understand the context in which Hiroshige created this beautiful and thought-provoking image.