"Yugyoji Temple, Fujisawa Japan" Ukiyo-E Woodblock Print by Utagawa Hiroshige - 53 Stations of the Tokkaido Series

Description

This is a post World War 11 edition from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido by Utagawa Hiroshige or … more This is a post World War 11 edition from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido by Utagawa Hiroshige or Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858). In this historical series, Hiroshige documents the journey along the Tokaido. The Tokaido, or Eastern Sea Road, was once the arterial highway of Japan that connected the Shogun’s seat of power in Edo (current day Tokyo) with the imperial capital of Kyoto.
This print, number 7 in the series, depicts the bridge at Fujisawa with crowds of people rushing across by the Torii gate.
This print has a strong color with delicate bokashi (graduated shading). The face is unmarked (see comments) with the condition being: VERY FINE. Oban size on washi paper. Censor seal partially visible left margin. Possibly Hoeido edition.
Not examined out of the frame
Tastefully framed in simple black wood with a small ribbed pattern, matted, ready for hanging with wire and hook. Museum glazed, nonreflective.
One of two listed by East2West Furniture. The other is a rare print in the same type of frame: "Pictures of Noh Performances (Nogaku Zue)" Woodblock by Tsuikoka Kogyo, First State Print 1893-1903.

Ando Hiroshige (1797 – 1858), one of the most famous Japanese Ukiyo-e artists, who translated ordinary landscapes into graceful, poetic forms. Orphaned at age 12, Hiroshige took over his father’s firefighting job and was inspired to become an artist like his role model, the esteemed Hokusai.
He originally depicted traditional subjects such as young ladies and actors, and later won fame for his landscapes. Hiroshige’s masterpiece, “Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido,” utilized unusual viewpoints, striking colors, and realistic depth. Tourism was becoming popular, and Hiroshige drew upon his own travels to create amazing prints. less