Hiroshige & Eisen: The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido

A historic trail through the heart of Japan, as told by two legendary woodblock artists

The Kisokaidō route was established in the early 1600s by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who decreed the installation of staging posts along the arduous passage between Edo and Kyoto. These posts provided essential sustenance and lodging for travelers, and were accompanied by inns, shops, and restaurants. In 1835, the well-known woodblock print artist Keisai Eisen was commissioned to create a series of works depicting the journey. He produced 24 prints before being replaced by Utagawa Hiroshige, who completed the series of 70 prints in 1838.

Eisen and Hiroshige's expertise as print practitioners is evident in The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaidō, showcasing both artists' unique styles. While Eisen focuses on subtle colors and detailed figurative depictions, Hiroshige's landscapes are grand and evocative, capturing moments along the route such as horse-shoeing and rice winnowing. The Ota River, Wada Pass, and a moonlit path between Yawata and Mochizuki are just a few of the stunning scenes Hiroshige masterfully portrays.

This volume showcases the stunning Sixty-Nine Stations collection, a masterpiece of woodblock practice from 19th-century Japan. With bold compositions and an experimental use of color, it offers a glimpse into a charming, pre-industrialized era. Sourced from a rare first edition, this compact anniversary edition revives the series for modern audiences.

• Product Type: Monograph, Hardcover
• 512 pages
• Published in 2024
• Shipping Dimensions: 8.5 × 6.1  (21.6 × 15.5 cm)
• Shipping Weight: 2.28 lb (36.5 oz; 1034 g)
• SKU010011715 | 9783836594875

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