The Kisokaido route, established in the early 1600s under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu, was designed to facilitate travel between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. This important thoroughfare became dotted with staging posts, inns, and shops, serving as crucial waypoints for travelers embarking on their journeys across Japan.

In 1835, the renowned artist Keisai Eisen was commissioned to capture the essence of this route through a series of woodblock prints. Though he only completed 24 pieces before being succeeded by Utagawa Hiroshige, his contributions laid the groundwork for what would become a cherished visual narrative. Hiroshige expanded this project, ultimately creating a collection of 70 prints that vividly depicted the diverse landscapes and vibrant life along the Kisokaido.

The prints from this era showcase a fascinating interplay between Eisen's focus on figuration and Hiroshige's mastery of landscape. Eisen's works often highlight charming scenes of daily activities and elegant figures, while Hiroshige's prints evoke dramatic natural settings, from serene rivers to challenging mountain passes. Together, they provide a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural and social fabric of 19th-century Japan.

As you explore the artistic legacy of the Kisokaido route, you not only witness the evolution of woodblock print techniques but also step back in time to experience a Japan long before the waves of industrialization transformed its landscape.

Hiroshige & Eisen. The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido. 40th Ed.

View product