1916
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
東海道五十三次 水口|Mizukuchi, from the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road is a 1916 ink by Utagawa Hiroshige, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This woodblock print shows a busy courtyard with a two-story building and a big pine tree. People in colorful clothes are walking, carrying bags, or sitting around. The roof has a slight angle, and there’s a sign with Japanese writing on the right side. Some people wear straw hats, and others look like they’re working or chatting. The artist used bold outlines and flat colors, which is typical of this style. Notice how the tree’s dark branches contrast with the lighter building. Check out cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines.
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.
See the richer artist page
