東都名所一覧|Fine Views of the Eastern Capital at a Glance (Tōto meisho ichiran) 東都名所一覧

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hai's *Fine Views of the Eastern at a Glance (Tōto meisho ichiran)*, created in the first month of 1800 (Kansei 12), a vibrant snapshot of Edo-period Japan—today's Tokyo, then the bustling "Eastern Capital." This set of two woodblock-printed, measuring about 10 by 7 inches each, captures the city's iconic landmarks through lively illustrations of landscapes, boats gliding on rivers, tea houses alive with patrons, and everyday scenes featuring men and women. As of Hokusai's early masterpieces, it reflects his mastery of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" style that celebrated urban pleasures and transient beauty. Produced during the Edo period (1615–1868), when woodblock printing democratized art for a growing merchant class, these books served as accessible travel guides, highlighting famous views in a compact, glanceable format. Hokusai's precise use of ink and color on paper—achieved through collaborative carving and printing techniques—brings dynamic energy to the compositions, blending meticulous landscapes with intimate human moments. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, this work underscores Hokusai's enduring influence, bridging his early explorations with later icons like *The Great Wave*. A delightful window into Japan's golden age of print culture!

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japanese) · 1760 –1849

Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)