Kyoto: The Great Bridge at Sanjō

Name/Title

Kyoto: The Great Bridge at Sanjō

Entry/Object ID

1993.6.2

Description

Reproduction of the Japanese woodblock print titled "Kyoto: The Great Bridge at Sanjō" (c. 1833-34) from the series "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō" (Tōkaidō gojūsan tsugi) by Utagawa Hiroshige.

Artwork Details

Medium

Paper, Ink

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Role

Artist

Date made

circa 1833 - circa 1834

Time Period

19th Century

Interpretative Labels

Label

The final print in this series depicts the Sanjō Bridge stretching across Kyoto’s Kamo River, symbolizing the end of the long journey from Edo. Merchants, samurai, farmers, pilgrims, and tourists are shown crossing the bridge. The broad spectrum of travelers reflects the diverse social classes in Edo-era Japan. Hiroshige’s panoramic angle invites you to explore the bustling scene, while his delicate use of color gradation, or bokashi, elevates a peaceful and serene backdrop. With this series of prints, he immortalized the importance of the Tōkaidō route, and his innovative style later inspired Western artists including Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.

Label Type

Credit Line

Label

Label written by Matthew Meade

Label Type

Credit Line

Label

Saint Joseph's University Purchase