Back home from a long journey of its own, this outstanding exhibition features 55 revolutionary prints by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797-1858), recording scenic views along the famous "Eastern Road" that linked Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan.

This series, known as the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road, is drawn from The Museum's own collection and part of our increasingly popular "Touring Exhibition" rental program. It was originally published in 1833-1834 and established Hiroshige's reputation as the foremost artist of the topographical landscape.

In 1832, Hiroshige journeyed along the historic Tokaido, visiting fifty-three towns and villages that dotted the road, which provided lodging, refreshments, and souvenirs for travelers. The route was traveled frequently by merchants, religious pilgrims and tourists. Hiroshige stayed at these overnight stations and recorded numerous views of the surrounding landscape, towns and people. Hiroshige was trained in the tradition of the ukiyo-e — "floating world" — wood-block printmaking.

This exhibition has been touring since 2013 and now returns home for a visit after its long road trip. It has been displayed at numerous institutions, including: Martin Art Gallery at Muhlenberg, Allentown, Pa.; Widener University Art Gallery, Chester, Pa.; Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk, Va.; and Mitchell Gallery at St. John's College, Annapolis, Md.