Yoshimori Utagawa, Arai, Painting and Calligraphy from the 53 Stations of the Tokaido

Tokaido was the most important travel route between the city of Edo and the capital Kyoto. Along this road were numerous stations or posts that offered refreshments and lodging for travellers. Tokaido was a favourite subject in woodblock prints produced in the Edo period and frequently associated with events or characters, as is also the case in this series. The main title is within the red cartouche to the right, and below that in the lower right corner a green pillar-shaped cartouche identifies the station name and prefecture with an explanation of the main image. The telegraph pole along the right margin seems to announce the beginning of the new Meiji era, with new technologies being adapted at a fast pace throughout the country.