45. Shono


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45. Shon from Tokaido Gojusantsugi by Hiroshige

Station #45: This is one of the best loved compositions in the series, reproduced in posters, scarves and myriad souvenires. Yet Shono was the smallest station on the Tokaido, located at one of the least populated parts of the highway. The rain lashes the bamboo grove in the background, masterfully illustrated in three values of grey. We sympathize with the two locals on the right as they scurry for cover while on the left, kago bearers, their passenger and a man with straw raincoat, brave the storm and march resolutely up the hill. In early editions of this print, the umbrella held by the local has writing on it that says "Takenouchi Han, Gojusan-tsugi" (The Series of Fifty-three published by Takenouchi.) It never hurts to do a little advertising.

Image Copyright: Minneapolis Institute of Art

 

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