Black Sea Bream, Small Sea Bream, Asparagus Shoots, and Sansho Pepper

by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Current Status

Black Sea Bream, Small Sea Bream, Asparagus Shoots, and Sansho Pepper by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Black Sea Bream, Small Sea Bream, Asparagus Shoots, and Sansho Pepper

Grand Series of Fishes

Grand Series of Fishes - Around 1832 - 1833, Hiroshige designed a series of ten oban size woodblocks of fish for a privately printed poetry album. According to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, shortly afterwards, the blocks were used for a commercial release, with the addition of one new subject and publisher and censor seals. Another nine designs were added circa 1840 - 1842 by another publisher, for a total of twenty woodblocks.

This untitled series, sometimes called the "Grand Series of Fishes" or "Large Fishes," fits into the genre of kacho-e (birds and flowers prints), which focuses on carefully observed birds, insects, fish, and flowers in natural habitats. Beautifully detailed varieties of fish and sea life are artfully arranged with grasses or plants against backgrounds with soft bokashi shading. A rarely seen series and a great example of Hiroshige's nature prints.

Yuyudo Publisher - In the early 20th century, the Yuyudo publishing house had already distinguished themselves as one of the finest publishers in Japan. They adhered to the same exacting standards of 19th century publishers while some of their publishing colleagues took shortcuts. In the 1950's, as interest Edo era woodblock prints was reigniting, Yuyudo embarked upon a project to produce reprints by the great masters from the Golden Age of Ukiyo-e. They hired the finest woodblock printers and carvers in the world for this endeavor. The resulting prints were some of the highest quality reproductions ever made. We are pleased to offer this beautiful reprint from the Yuyudo publisher in our auctions today.  Yuyudo prints are exceptionally well done and very finely printed. Each bears a Yuyudo Publisher stamp on the margin or reverse. Bid now on prints from this fantastic collection!

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 10" x 14 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent with no issues to report.

Black Sea Bream, Small Sea Bream, Asparagus Shoots, and Sansho Pepper by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Black Sea Bream, Small Sea Bream, Asparagus Shoots, and Sansho Pepper by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)