Kuwana: Shichiri Crossing (Kuwana, Shichiri watashiguchi), from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō gojÅ«san tsugi no uchi), also known as the First Tōkaidō or Great Tōkaidō c. 1833 - 1834

Editor: This is Hiroshige’s "Kuwana: Shichiri Crossing," from his Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series. I’m struck by the contrast between the bustling foreground boats and the serene, distant horizon. What do you see in this piece, beyond its aesthetic appeal? Curator: It’s a potent image, isn't it? Hiroshige isn't simply depicting a landscape; he's capturing a moment of profound social and economic transition. The Tōkaidō road itself was a vital artery for trade and cultural exchange, but also a site of immense social stratification. Who had access to this road, and on what terms? Editor: That's a great point! So, these boats weren’t just for leisure. They were directly involved in systems of power. Curator: Precisely. We must consider who benefits from this "serene" exchange and who is excluded or exploited. Looking closely, who do you think had the privilege to travel and benefit from the Tōkaidō? Editor: I hadn’t considered that. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about regarding art as a reflection of social issues. Curator: Absolutely. And it challenges us to consider our own roles in perpetuating or dismantling inequitable systems today.