Hiroshige 広重: Yoroi Ferry, Kaomi-chô (Deluxe First Edition) (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige 広重 (1797-1858)

Title: Yoroi Ferry, Kaomi-chô 鎧の渡し小網町
Series: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Meisho Edo Hyakkei  Date: 10/1857

Cheerful view of a busy stretch of the Nihonbashi River. To the left we see a row of storehouses, indicating the plenty of the period and of the shôgun. An oarsman sculls a small chokibune towards the center of the river, while a cargo boat in the distance carrying barrels of Masamune sake passes to his right. Left is the Yoroi Ferry of the title, packed quite full of standing passengers.  Above flit swallows, and to the right we see a stylish young woman taking in the view, her parasol aloft against the sun. The prow of a cargo boat, godairiki, is seen entering the picture at left. The strong cropping of many of the elements is a hallmark of this series, and it somehow also lends the view a modernist touch. This design was chosen for the cover of Henry Smith II’s book on the series. From the deluxe edition, which is also known as the first edition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Backed with thin paper. Dimensions: ôban (35.4 x 24.2 cm)
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi
Literature: Henry Smith II: “Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo”, plate 46. See MFA Boston, Art Institute of Chicago, Brooklyn Museum.
Signature: Hiroshige ga

SKU: HIR572