No. 40 c. 1835 - 1838

This woodblock print, No. 40, was created by Utagawa Hiroshige in nineteenth-century Japan, a period of relative peace under the Tokugawa shogunate, but also one of strict social hierarchy. The image depicts travelers caught in a sudden downpour, rushing for shelter at a roadside tea house. We can imagine the social dynamics at play. Wealthier travelers might find refuge inside, while laborers are left exposed to the elements. This contrast subtly critiques the social inequalities of the time. Hiroshige was associated with the Ukiyo-e school, which flourished during this period. These artworks, which circulated widely, capture scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and popular culture. They reflect a growing merchant class with its own tastes and values. To understand this work more fully, we might consult historical records of travel and commerce in Edo-period Japan, as well as studies of Ukiyo-e printmaking and its audience. Art like this offers a fascinating glimpse into the social fabric of its time.