Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Izumi Province, Takashi Beach, Senkakudo, 1905
Series; Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces
Hiroshige's Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces - Designed in the mid-1850s, Hiroshige's fantastic Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces series features sixty-nine prints, one for each of the sixty-six provinces of Japan, plus Edo and the two major islands. The striking new use of a vertical format allowed Hiroshige to experiment with the foreground and background contrasts typical of his work, drawing the viewer in while at the same time implying a sense of great distance. The high vantage point of most of the designs allows for sweeping panoramas and expansive views of the beautiful countryside. Skillful bokashi shading also adds unusual depth to many of the images. From bucolic rural views to busy urban centers, the series beautifully illustrates the Japanese countryside while capturing the flavor of life during the Edo era.
Fine 1905 Reprints from the Senkakudo Publisher - Senkakudo was a well-known Edo era publisher of traditional prints including many works by Hiroshige. In fact, Senkakudo was a co-publisher of the Hoeido Tokaido. They continued publishing during the Meiji era and printed contemporary Meiji originals and beautiful reprints of Edo era masterworks. They produced especially fine reprints using the natural inks and papers from the Edo era. Now over 100 years old, they beautifully replicate Edo era masterworks. The lovely sense of age, beautiful softened colors and fine natural inks give these prints the same appearance as old originals, and they are often mistaken for first edition prints. Fuji Arts is pleased to offer a beautiful collection of Senkakudo prints in our auctions this evening. These are rare old prints and came directly from an old Japanese collection. They are the perfect choice for the discerning collector looking for fine prints to collect or display. Bid now on these rare prints!
Izumi Province, Takashi Beach, Senkakudo, 1905 - A fantastic Hiroshige landscape of Takashi Beach and the Osaka Bay beyond. The Takashi Shrine seen in the foreground among pine trees. Lovely Hiroshige landscape print with fine color and excellent detail.
Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Image Size - 9" x 13 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Excellent color and detail as shown. In excellent condition overall with no issues to report.
Collecting these old reprints - Collectors dream of owning and enjoying some of the most famous, historic, and beautiful Japanese print images of all time. While the works of Utamaro, Harunobu, Choki, Hokusai and Hiroshige are known to many, the cost of old originals is prohibitive to all but a few. Famous old prints sell for thousands, tens of thousands and sometimes, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Purchasing a fine old reprint is an exciting and gratifying way to collect a beautiful old print at a small fraction of those costs.
How were these prints done? These beautiful woodblock reprints were done exactly as the originals. An artist carved a wood block, one for each color, and hand printed each print one color at a time. These old reprints are sought after for their meticulous attention to detail and color, rivaling the originals. Unlike the brighter, souvenir prints seen on the market these fine reprints show the attention to detail and careful color choices intended to exactly replicate the old originals.
