Mishima--Morning Mist c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, Mishima--Morning Mist, captures a scene along the Tōkaidō road, a vital artery connecting Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto. Hiroshige made this work during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and economic prosperity. Through the mist, we glimpse a snapshot of social hierarchy. A figure of apparent status rides comfortably, while others trudge, bearing burdens. The artist subtly hints at the class divisions structuring Japanese society. The landscape, though beautiful, serves as a backdrop to the human drama of labor and travel. Hiroshige's series became popular as more people traveled for leisure. These prints catered to a growing interest in experiencing and documenting the diverse landscapes of Japan. Consider the emotional weight of journeys, the hopes and hardships of those who traversed these routes, and how this print both reflects and shapes our understanding of their experiences.