Driving Rain at Shono

by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Current Status

Driving Rain at Shono by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Driving Rain at Shono

Series; Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido

Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - In 1832, Hiroshige first traveled from his home in Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto along the Tokaido road. The journey was an eye opening and life changing experience for him. As an urban man of Edo he had experienced life mainly in the capital. He immediately returned to Edo after the trip and began his masterwork woodblock series from the sketches he had made on his journey. Hiroshige's Tokaido prints are an opportunity to be transported back in time to see this world as Hiroshige did in the shadow of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Expo '70 Selected Masterpieces of Ukiyo-e Prints - To celebrate the opening of Expo '70, a world's fair held in Osaka, Japan in 1970, a woodblock reprint series of "Selected Masterpieces of Ukiyo-e" was commissioned. Featuring works from the Hiraki Collection, the renown Adachi Publisher of Tokyo produced the series of 12 prints with classic subjects by master artists such as Utamaro, Sharaku, Hiroshige, and Hokusai (see example of series label below, not included). These beautifully printed designs are finely detailed, and many feature deluxe publishing treatments such as mica or embossing. Each woodblock has a stamp on the reverse reading "T. Adachi/Made in Japan." We've never come across prints from this unusual commemorative series before. A great opportunity to acquire a high-quality ukiyo-e reprint with an interesting history.

Driving Rain at Shono - Fantastic Hiroshige masterwork and one of his most well-known designs. A sudden shower surprises travelers and palanquin bearers at Shono, who rush for cover under the driving rain sweeping across the landscape. The crests of the bamboo trees in the background bend forward in the wind, creating rows of gently curving silhouettes. A terrific image with fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 13 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Driving Rain at Shono by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Driving Rain at Shono by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Driving Rain at Shono by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)