Nihonbashi in Edo (Edo Nihonbashi), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)

Katsushika Hokusai Japanese

Not on view

Views of the central district of old Edo such as this are frequently characterized by three motifs: the arc of Nihonbashi (literally, "Bridge of Japan") together with the tiered roofs of Edo Castle and the distant Mt. Fuji. In addition to being the first stage of the Tōkaidō, Nihonbashi's distinctive form and prominent location earned it the importance of a symbol of the capital city.

In this composition, Hokusai's radical cropping of the foreground bridge has the effect of thrusting the viewer directly into the bustling crowds of townsmen.

Nihonbashi in Edo (Edo Nihonbashi), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei), Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan

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