Mishima (Morning Mist) - Utagawa Hiroshige

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting travellers in the morning mist at Mishima station. Part of the famous Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series.

Mishima (Morning Mist) is the twelfth print in Utagawa Hiroshige's series, The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō. This work depicts travellers departing from the Mishima station at dawn. The composition is defined by its use of atmospheric perspective to suggest a thick morning fog. In the foreground, a traveller sits atop a packhorse while others carry a kago (palanquin). The figures are rendered with distinct patterns on their clothing, providing a contrast to the muted background. To the right, the entrance to the Mishima Shrine is visible through the silhouettes of a torii gate and stone lanterns. These elements are printed in soft grey tones to indicate their distance and the density of the mist. Hiroshige used the bokashi technique to create the gradated blue sky at the top of the frame. This method involves hand-applying ink to the woodblock to achieve a seamless transition of colour. The lack of sharp outlines in the background trees and buildings further emphasises the damp morning environment. This print is from the Hoeidō edition, which established Hiroshige as a leading landscape artist in nineteenth-century Japan. The scene captures a specific moment in the daily routine of the Tōkaidō road. Travellers often started their journeys before sunrise to reach the next station by nightfall. Hiroshige focuses on the sensory experience of the weather rather than just the geographical landmarks. This approach differed from earlier ukiyo-e traditions that prioritised clear outlines and flat colours.