Artwork

東海道五十三次亀山|Kameyama, from the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road

東海道五十三次亀山|Kameyama, from the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road is an ink print by Utagawa Hiroshige. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, Kameyama, is part of a series by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road, a historic route in Japan.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a serene landscape with a mountain, trees, a stone wall, and a gate, capturing a tranquil scene along the Tōkaidō road. Figures walk along a path towards the gate, suggesting travel and passage.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink and color on paper, the print features a palette of greens, blues, and browns, characteristic of Hiroshige's landscape-focused ukiyo-e style. Japanese characters in the top-right corner provide context and identification.

History & Provenance

Created by Hiroshige, a prominent ukiyo-e artist, the series deviates from the genre's typical urban themes, instead emphasizing scenic views along a major travel route.

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.

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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