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.

Towboats Along the Yotsugi-dori Canal, 1857 - Striking view of the Yotsugi-dori Canal in Edo, originally built to supply drinking water to Fukagawa, with a passenger towboat service during Hiroshige's time. Passengers ride in boats pulled by men walking along the towpath, the canal curving into the distance as clouds drift across the horizon. Interestingly, the canal was actually straight, but Hiroshige added the curve, which creates a nice sense of movement and distance. A lovely design, attractively color and shaded.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning and soiling, a few spots and creases. Please see photos for details.