Seki: Early Departure of a Daimyo (1833–1834)

Highlights

• Seki, from the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road by Utagawa Hiroshige — a faithful canvas reproduction of a classic Japanese woodblock print.
• CHOOSE YOUR SIZE & FORMAT: Pick your dimensions and shape right from this listing — vertical, horizontal, panoramic and square options available.
• MUSEUM-QUALITY GICLEE: Fade-resistant archival inks on premium artist-grade canvas, hand-stretched and gallery-wrapped over a solid 1.5" wood frame, hardware attached and ready to hang.
• A REFINED FOCAL POINT for the living room, bedroom, study, home office or entryway — timeless style with lasting appeal.
• HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Made to order in multiple sizes and shapes — a thoughtful, gallery-worthy gift.

Description

This woodblock print depicts a bustling early-morning scene at Seki post-town, one of the fifty-three stations along the historic Tōkaidō Road — the main coastal highway linking Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto in feudal Japan. A daimyo procession prepares to depart: porters carry lacquered palanquin boxes, attendants in matching blue livery bustle about, and travelers bow respectfully at a roadside inn decorated with bold indigo-dyed curtains. Seki station, located in present-day Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture, was renowned for the ceremonial predawn departures of feudal lords that Hiroshige captures here with characteristic wit and vivid color.