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.

Mount Atago, Shiba - Terrific view of a ceremony taking place at the Atago Shrine in Edo on the third day of the New Year. In the foreground, a man in an elaborate costume represents the messenger of Bishamonten, one of the Japan's famous Seven Lucky Gods. He carries an enormous rice paddle for the "Heaping Rice Ceremony," and wears a helmet made from an overturned basket, ferns, and strips of dried kelp, with a citrus fruit in the center of the horns. He is actually the proprietor of the Atagoya teahouse atop the hill. The rooftops of the city stretch out below, with sails on the water and kites flying overhead to celebrate the New Year. A handsome composition with an interesting perspective.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Stitching holes at side, repaired. Slight toning, slight soiling and a couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details.