Who painted Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō?

Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō was painted by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1836.

Where can I see Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō?

Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō?

Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō

Utagawa Hiroshige , 1836

Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Hiroshige's *Kanō, from the series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō*, created circa 1836, is a ukiyo-e print depicting a rural station along the historic Kisokaidō road, characteristic of the artist's emphasis on natural landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a serene moment of travelers on the Kisokaidō, conveying the everyday life of rural Japan during the late Edo period. The scene balances tranquility with subtle activity, reflecting the road's role as a bustling travel route.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employs sharp, dark outlines for the pine trees against a light, misty sky, and suggests a post-rain atmosphere on the road. This contrast highlights his mastery of capturing atmospheric depth in ukiyo-e.

History & Provenance

Created around 1836, this print is part of a larger series documenting the Kisokaidō's sixty-nine stations, showcasing Hiroshige's departure from typical urban ukiyo-e themes towards landscape-focused works.

Context

Within the late Edo period, this work reflects the growing interest in Japan's natural beauty and historic travel routes, distinguishing Hiroshige's oeuvre from the predominant urban themes of contemporary ukiyo-e.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.