Artwork

東海道五十三次土山春の雨|Spring Rain at Tsuchiyama, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō

東海道五十三次土山春の雨|Spring Rain at Tsuchiyama, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, 'Spring Rain at Tsuchiyama,' is part of a series depicting the fifty-three stations along the Tōkaidō road, a historic route between Edo and Kyoto. Created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1834, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing atmospheric landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a rainy scene at Tsuchiyama, with travelers crossing a bridge over a river, surrounded by wet trees and mist. The image conveys a sense of movement and life, as people in colorful clothing navigate the wet conditions.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employed intricate linework to create texture and depth, using techniques such as cross-hatching to suggest rain and fabric folds. The use of ink and color on paper allowed for a range of tonal values, adding to the overall sense of atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The print is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifying Hiroshige's contribution to the ukiyo-e genre, which he helped shift towards landscape-focused works.

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.