Under Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa, 1830-1833, Katsushika Hokusai; Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi, Japanese, 1760 - 1849, 10 1/16 × 15 5/16 in. (25.5 × 38.9 cm) (sheet, horizontal ōban), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan, 19th century, Built on the shores of Edo Bay, the city of Edo was defined by a network of rivers and canals that served as major thoroughfares for the transport of people and goods. Bridges thus provided vital links for travel and communication and were an important element in the city's evolution into a thriving metropolis.