Hakone c. 1840 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print, Hakone, using woodblock printing, a demanding process that combines craft and design. The print's visual impact hinges on the materiality of wood. Every line and color area was painstakingly carved into separate woodblocks, then inked and pressed onto paper. It wasn't just about replicating an image; it was about orchestrating a complex sequence of making, and the relationship between labor and aesthetics. Look closely and you'll see the subtle textures created by the wood grain, enhancing the atmosphere of the scene. Hiroshige’s Hakone isn’t merely a landscape; it’s a snapshot of Edo-period Japan’s infrastructure, showing travelers being carried up a mountain pass. The print invites us to consider the human effort necessary for this transport and to think about the relationship between class and mobility during this period. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art isn't just about what is depicted, but about the hands, tools, and techniques that bring it into being. By recognizing these elements, we deepen our understanding of both the artwork and the society from which it emerged.