Hiroshige Utagawa "Nissaka: Mount Mugen, the Night-Crying Stone, and Sayo Mountain Pass," C. 1850 First-Edition Antique Japanese Woodblock Print

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Considered a master of the Japanese landscape print, Hiroshige Utagawa 歌川広重 (1797-1858) is known for his meisho-e, or images of … Read more Considered a master of the Japanese landscape print, Hiroshige Utagawa 歌川広重 (1797-1858) is known for his meisho-e, or images of famous places. His inventive use of color and diagonal compositions enchanted Western European artists such as Manet and Monet, who collected and took inspiration from Hiroshige's work. Even Van Gogh reproduced Hiroshige's "Sudden Shower at Ohashi Bridge" and "Plum Garden at Kameido" in two of his own paintings. Designs from Hiroshige's masterwork series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," "53 Stations of the Tokaido Road," and "Famous Views in the 60-odd Provinces" can be found in museum collections worldwide.

This print is from Hiroshige's half-size version of his "53 Stations of the Tokaido Road" series, published between 1850-51. Hiroshige produced several Tokaido series throughout this lifetime, and this particular version was published by the popular publisher Tsutaya Kichizo. Other impressions of this design are held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the British Museum.

This impression is in excellent condition with strong color. It is also an early state of the design, indicated by the clean woodblock impression and gradation. The verso is sealed by S.M. Shiba Miyanoshita, a Japanese art expert who authenticated prints in the 1940's.

Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo (Koeido)
Signature: Hiroshige ga
Seals: Kinugasa and Hama censor seals
Provenance: S.M. Shiba Miyanoshita

All purchases come with a certificate of authenticity for your records.

This woodblock print from Hiroshige's popular Tokaido series would make a great gift or addition to a Japanese art collection. See less