Sites of the Eastern Capital at a Glance (Tōto shōkei ichiran), facsimile version by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
20th century.
Medium
Set of two woodblock printed books; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
each: 10 1/4 × 7 5/16 in. (26 × 18.5 cm)
Classification
Illustrated Books
Culture
Japan
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift, 2013
Accession Number
2013.739a, b
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Katsushika Hokusai’s *Sites of the Eastern Capital at a Glance* (*Tōto shōkei ichiran*) captures the vibrant spirit Edo-period Japan through a series of scenic views. This 20th-century facsimile, produced by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, reproduces Hokusai’s original woodblock-printed books in ink and color on paper. As a leading figure in the ukiyo-e tradition, Hokusai excelled at distilling the energy of urban life and famous landmarks into accessible printed formats. The set of two volumes functions like an illustrated guidebook, inviting readers to “glance” at celebrated sites across the Eastern Capital (modern-day Tokyo). Woodblock printing allowed such works to reach a wide audience, blending fine art with everyday utility. Each page combines delicate line work with subtle washes of color, demonstrating the technical precision and collaborative nature of Japanese print production. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum in 2013, this facsimile preserves Hokusai’s inventive approach to landscape and cityscape for contemporary viewers. It highlights how printed books once served as both artistic treasures and portable records of place, offering modern audiences an intimate connection to Japan’s rich visual heritage.
About the Artist
Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japanese) · 1760 –1849
Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)