Station 6: Totsuka

Category

Library Item

Item no

16392

Title

Fifty-three stations by two brushes (Sohitsu gojusantsugi). Station 6: Totsuka (Sohitsu gojusantsugi)

Description

In this print a waitress is shown serving a customer who sits cross-legged on the floor. The waitress wears a navy kimono and has used a red cord to tie back her long sleeves while she is working. Around her waist she has fastened a wide black obi belt that ties at the back, and a green and purple striped apron. In one hand she holds a bowl of food on a tray and in the other hand a flask of sake.
The man lifts up one hand to take the flask and in his other hand he holds a fan. In order to stay cool the man has covered his head and slipped his right arm out of his blue and white plaid kimono. In the foreground there is a candle stand with a lit candle.
The background inset depicts travellers climbing up a steep path lined with pine trees, and in the bottom right hand corner of this image there are teahouses. Gradation printing has been used to add depth to the portrayal of hilly landscape either side of the Tokaido.
In Hiroshige's original Hoeido series print presents a view of a traveller being greeted by waitresses as he arrives and dismounts from his horse outside a teahouse.

Artist / maker

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)

Engraver

Hori Take (Yokogawa Takejiro)

Date

1854

Size

36 x 24.8 cm

Type

Wood cut

Location

Art and Design Library

Further artist information:
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865)
Signed:
Hiroshige ga (landscape)
Toyokuni ga (figures)

The subject matter of the 'Fifty-three stations by two brushes' series drew upon the popularity of Hiroshige's celebrated series 'Fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road' (Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi); the earliest editions of which were produced between 1832 and 1834.
Both Kunisada and Hiroshige were pupils of the Utagawa School and collaborated together in order to produce a commercial hit with their 'Fifty-three stations by two brushes'. The series demonstrates Hiroshige's distinction as a landscape artist and Kunisada's skill as a figurative artist. This series comprises of fifty-six designs (including the title page). Although there were fifty-three post stations, artists traditionally include Nihonbashi (where the Tokaido began) and Kyoto (the road's terminus). The late Edo-period audience who would have collected these lavish prints were able to make connections between the figures and the specific post stations along the Tokaido. Each character's relationship to a locality relies upon subtle references to well known legends and kabuki theatre plots. Hiroshige's original Tokaido series are also referenced in these prints.

Exhibitions with this item

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Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hairstyles

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

Homes > Residential buildings > Huts

Landscape > Land > Woods and forests

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Asia > Japan

Plants > Trees > Trees

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