The story of a dream and its realization

In 1833, the unconventional artist Andō Hiroshige set out to revolutionize the woodblock publishing industry by firmly establishing the landscape print as a major theme. His first edition of the “Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō” – the complete set of which is in the Museum’s collection – treats the landscape and its atmospheric appeal as subjects in their own right, a novelty at the time in Japan.

A visionary journey

Inspired by earlier travel guides and magazines that had been circulating in Japan since the 18th century, this imaginary work enthralled the masses, sparking a desire in them to embark on this 500-kilometre journey. Their sentimental response to this quest would make the series and the artist a resounding success.