Narumi 1855

This woodblock print, titled ‘Narumi’, was created by Utagawa Hiroshige, a Japanese artist who died in 1858. The image shows a street in the town of Narumi, known for its tie-dyed fabrics. Narumi was a post station on the Tokaido road, connecting Edo, now Tokyo, with Kyoto. Hiroshige’s images of these stations played an important role in popularizing travel in Japan. These prints were not simply records but were designed to appeal to consumers. The blue and white textiles hanging to dry, create a sense of place, but also point to the economic activity that defined the town. As art historians, we delve into sources, like travel guides and economic reports, to understand how these prints functioned within their specific historical moment. The meaning of art is not fixed but emerges from the complex interplay of social, cultural, and institutional forces.