Night Rain at Azuma Wood

by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Current Status

Night Rain at Azuma Wood by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Night Rain at Azuma Wood

Series; Eight Views of the Environs of Edo
(Edo kinko hakkei no uchi)

Eight Views of the Environs of Edo - Hiroshige's lovely series, Eight Views of the Environs of Edo, was initially privately printed for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) around 1837-1838. The club commissioned the series to illustrate their poems based on famous locations around Edo. First edition prints from this series include three or fours verses of poetry across the top, while in later impressions only a single verse appears. These lyrical landscape views are tranquil and reflective, with evocative atmospheric effects, such as the moonlit Tama River or the evening shower at Azuma Shrine. Moon on the Tama River is the masterpiece of the series, considered one of Hiroshige's finest landscapes.

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!

Night Rain at Azuma Wood - Lovely, evocative night scene from Hiroshige's "Environs of Edo" series. A beautiful print, almost monochromatic except for the two figures along the path and the deep blue water. A beautiful atmospheric landscape with soft shading and fine line work in the slanting raindrops.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 8" x 12 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Night Rain at Azuma Wood by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Night Rain at Azuma Wood by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)