Considered one of Hiroshige’s greatest masterworks! Ando Hiroshige, also known as Utagawa Hiroshige, was a master of the Japanese art of ukiyo-e, color woodblock prints. The subjects of Hiroshiges work were atypical of the ukiyo-e genre. However, Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes and images of birds and flowers. He was one of the first to utilize unusual vantage points, striking colors and realistic perspective. In fact Hiroshiges genius for landscape composition was recognized, and sometimes even copied, by some of the great European Impressionist painters such as Vincent Van Gogh. Hiroshige was born in 1797 in the Yayosu Quay section of the Yaesu district of Edo, present-day Tokyo. He was of samurai background and was the great grandson of Tanaka Tokuemon who held a position of power under the Tsugaru clan in the northern province of Mutsu. His grandfather, Mitsuemon, was a samurai archery instructor. His father, Genemon, was warden of the fire brigade for Edo castle. Hiroshige was twelve at the time. At around the age of fourteen, about 1811, Hiroshige sought to study painting under the tutelage of Toyokuni of the Utagawa School. However, Toyokuni already had so many students he was unable to accept him. Fortunately, a librarian introduced Hiroshige to Toyohiro, another established artist and instructor of the same school whom he studied under for a number of years. During his early years, in addition to the techniques of the Utagawa School, Hiroshige also studied those of the Kano School. His apprentice work included the usual book illustrations and single page ukiyo-e prints of female beauties, kabuki actors and samurai warriors. In 1823 Hiroshige resigned his position as fire warden and devoted the rest of his life to painting. It is estimated he created more than 5,000 images, specializing in landscapes and kacho-e, prints of birds and flowers. This striking print is from our. It is Hiroshiges masterwork. The Whirlpools of Naruto. The original was painted ca. If you are looking for an outstanding print of this image, this would be an excellent choice. The current in the strait between Naruto and Awaji Island is the fastest in Japan and the fourth fastest in the world. In this masterwork Hiroshige vividly contrasts the violence of its waves crashing against the rugged coastline against stillness of the shoreline in the distance. The foaming crests and swirling currents dynamically portray the tremendous power of the whirlpool. The gulls almost appear to be specks of sea foam thrown off from the towering waves. This masterwork is considered to be one of Hiroshiges greatest achievements and is a must for the serious collector. A rare find indeed! This dramatic print would be a wonderful choice for the collector and the interior decorator. It would be striking displayed on your home or office wall. The reprint would be a superb choice for any collector. It is truly a classic image from the golden age of ukiyo-e. It was made from meticulously recarved wooden blocks using exactly the same technique and with the same excellent detail and rich color as the original. Later edition prints like this make an exciting addition to your collection and are a wonderful way to decorate at a small fraction of the staggering cost of a first edition print. Matted and framed, this print would make a stunning presentation by itself or as an impressive addition to an arrangement with other prints. It is one you will be proud to display in your home or office and is bound to become a cherished family heirloom. Hiroshiges masterworks are in the collections of many of the worlds great museums. Among them are t. Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York; the Museum of Fine Arts , Boston; the British Museum , London; the State Hermitage Museum , Saint Petersburg, Russia; as well as the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo. The Whirlpools of Awa at Naruto. SERIES: Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces. MEDIUM: Authentic polychrome woodblock print. Ink and color on handmade paper. 13 ¾ x 9; (34,9 cm x 22,9 cm). 15 5/8 x 10 ¾; (39,7 cm x 27,3 cm). Strong color and marvelous detail. Please take a moment to examine the scans. The Staff at Uki Arts. The Uki Arts Gallery. At the upper right to see all of our Gallerys current offerings. To see all our great new listings as they become available. Track Page Views With. Auctiva’s FREE Counter. The item “Dramatic HIROSHIGE Japanese woodblock print THE WHIRLPOOLS OF AWA” is in sale since Wednesday, March 29, 2017. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints”. The seller is “ukiarts” and is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Type: LIMITRD EDITION Japanese woodblock print
- Age: Showa Period, ca. mid 20th century
- Maker: Hodo Publishing
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Primary Material: Ink and color on handmade paper
- Region of Origin: Japan
