Utagawa Hiroshige – “Kusatsu-juku” 草津宿 – The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō – Edo Period Japanese Woodblock Print

About the Artwork

This authentic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重, 1797–1858) depicts Kusatsu-juku (草津宿), one of the most celebrated stations from his renowned series, The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (東海道五十三次).
The print portrays a lively roadside inn where travelers, porters, and merchants rest after their long journey along the historic Tōkaidō route, which connected Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto during Japan’s Edo period.

Hiroshige masterfully captures the rhythm of daily travel life — the weary workers, the bustling exchanges, and the quiet dignity of movement — all rendered in his distinctive color palette of delicate blues, warm yellows, and subtle gray tones.

Artistic and Historical Context

Created during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō series revolutionized the way travel and nature were depicted in Japanese art.
“Kusatsu-juku” is station 53 on the route, famous for its teahouses, horse rentals, and travelers’ rest stops, symbolizing the vibrancy of intercity life during the Tokugawa shogunate.

Each print in the series was hand-carved on woodblocks and colored using natural pigments — a process combining artistry and craftsmanship unique to Edo-period Japan.
Hiroshige’s prints became icons of Japanese aesthetics and profoundly influenced Western Impressionist artists such as Van Gogh, Whistler, and Monet.

Artwork Details

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重, 1797–1858)
Title: 草津宿 (Kusatsu-juku / Kusatsu Station)
Series: The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (東海道五十三次)
Period: Edo Period, circa 1830s–1850s
Medium: Woodblock print on handmade washi paper
Technique: Polychrome woodblock printing (nishiki-e)
Dimensions: Approx. 37 × 25 cm (print area)
Publisher: Traditional Edo workshop edition

Collector Highlights

• Original Utagawa Hiroshige woodblock design, part of Japan’s most famous travel print series

• Depicts the Kusatsu-juku station, symbolizing movement and connection in Edo Japan

• Exemplary use of ukiyo-e color gradation and architectural perspective

• Highly collectible for lovers of Japanese history, Edo travel culture, and traditional ukiyo-e landscapes

• A timeless piece representing Japan’s golden age of printmaking