Thirty-six Views of Fuji, Motoguchidori - Utagawa Hiroshige II

A woodblock print from the series Thirty-six Views of Fuji, depicting labourers transporting trees along Motoguchidori in Edo.

This woodblock print is part of the series Thirty-six Views of Fuji, produced by Utagawa Hiroshige II in 1862. The artist, a student and successor to the famous Utagawa Hiroshige, captures a scene at Motoguchidori, a location in Edo. The composition focuses on the daily life of the city, showing labourers transporting young trees using wooden frames. The presence of a flowering cherry tree and a pine tree provides a sense of seasonal transition, while the figures in traditional kimono observe the activity.

In the background, the architecture of the city is rendered with clean lines and flat colour planes, typical of the Ukiyo-e tradition. The print employs a clear spatial arrangement, separating the foreground activity from the structures behind. The colour palette is restrained, using soft pinks for the blossoms, muted greens for the foliage, and earthy tones for the ground and buildings. The sky is indicated by a subtle gradient, a technique often used in Japanese prints to suggest atmosphere without excessive detail.

This work reflects the interest in urban life and the changing environment of Edo during the late Edo period. By documenting specific streets and activities, Hiroshige II provides a record of the city's character. The print is a fine example of the technical skill involved in the woodblock printing process, where multiple blocks were carved and registered to create the final image. The inclusion of the cartouche in the upper right corner identifies the series, while the artist's signature is visible in the lower left. This piece offers a glimpse into the social and physical environment of mid-nineteenth-century Japan, presented through the lens of a skilled printmaker.