Utagawa Hiroshige was the last great master of woodblock printmaking. A complicated form, the finished work involves the collaboration of several artisans—artist, carver, printer, and publisher. The artist sketches an original design; it is transferred onto a cherry-wood block; color separation requires etching onto multiple blocks; then ink is meticulously applied using brushes. Born during an unsettled time in Japanese history, in 1797, Hiroshige created hundreds of tranquil prints in a horizontal format, experimenting with birds and flowers, landscapes, and stunning colors. His serene work soon became a favorite nationwide. This is the first London exhibition of the artist’s work in 25 years. —Elena Clavarino