Koume Embankment

by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Current Status

Koume Embankment by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Koume Embankment

Series; One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

One Hundred Famous Views of Edo - In 1856, Hiroshige began designing what was to be his last great series and a masterpiece, "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo." The series contains 118 vertical format woodblocks of classic Hiroshige landscapes. From spring cherry blossoms to summer fireworks, from quiet scenes along the river to lively festival celebrations, Hiroshige captures life in old Edo in dramatic and interesting ways. Hiroshige employed an inventive compositional technique in many of the prints, using large foreground elements to frame a distant view in the background, such as the image of Kinryuzan Temple seen through the doorway of the famous Thunder Gate. Beautifully printed with fine bokashi shading, "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" retains its popularity today as one of Hiroshige's great masterworks, and includes some of his most memorable images.

Exceptionally Fine Taisho Era (1912 – 1926) Reprint Series –  Hiroshige’s 100 Edo series was rarely reprinted complete making many designs extremely difficult to find. This early reprint set is beautifully done; the prints are virtually identical to Edo era originals. Unlike later reprints, the paper and inks are from the Edo tradition. Beautiful old reprints like these are excellent for display as they are indiscernible from originals when framed.

Koume Embankment - Handsome view of the Koume embankment, with a few people crossing an earthen bridge over the Yotsugi-dori Canal towards the village along the edge of the road. Grain fields stretch out into the distance, and trees are covered with autumn foliage. Beneath the black alder trees at lower right, two boys play with their dogs. A peaceful, quiet scene.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with beautiful color and fine detail. A couple stitching holes, repaired. Please see photos for details.

Koume Embankment by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Koume Embankment by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)