Hamamatsu
Wallpaper Mural
Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige, Japanese
Date: 19th c.
Original medium: Block print
Original size: 6 11/16 × 9 in.
Description
This wallpaper mural of Utagawa Hiroshige’s exquisite block print “Hamamatsu” is part of his renowned series “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido” (Tokaido gojusan tsugi), also known as the Tokaido with Poem (Kyoka iri Tokaido), created in 1833-1834. This series depicts various stations along the Tokaido road, capturing the essence of travel and the landscape of Edo-period Japan. In “Hamamatsu,” Hiroshige illustrates a tranquil winter scene featuring snow-covered pine trees and travelers making their way through the serene environment. The composition masterfully combines natural beauty with human activity, showcasing Hiroshige’s skill in blending poetry and imagery to evoke the quiet elegance of the Japanese countryside.