Hiroshige 広重: Furukawa River, Hiroo 広尾ふる川

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川 広重 (1797-1858)
Title: Furukawa River, Hiroo 広尾ふる川

Series: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo 名所江戸百景 (Meisho Edo Hyakkei) Date: 1856

A few pedestrians cross the Furukawa River in the Hiroo region of southwestern Edo. Our view is looking west toward Shibuya, with the higher ground of Azabu to the right and Shirogane on the left. This waterway now flows underground by way of an aqueduct that passes below Shibuya Station and thence through a channel beneath an elevated highway. According to Henry Smith, though, even during Hiroshige’s time this area already contained more temples and residences than is suggested in this idyllic view.  Seen at left is the famous aspect of this design; the eel restaurant Owariya, which was very popular at the time of this print, and would have been known to the savvy populace.

Condition: Excellent color. Very good impression and condition. Center fold.

Dimensions: ôban (36.4 x 24.7 cm)
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi
Literature: Henry Smith II: “Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo”, plate 22. See Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, RISD Museum, MFA Boston, Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, British Museum.

Seal: Censor’s seal “Aratame” and Date of Dragon, 7th month seal 
Signature: Hiroshige ga

SKU: HIR566