Hiroshige II: Whirlpools, Hita in Bungo Province 豊後　日田　釜淵 (Deluxe, or First Edition)

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige II (1826-1869)
Title: Kokebuchi at Hida in Bungo Province 豊後　日田　釜淵

Series: One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces 諸国名所百景 (Shokoku meisho hyakkei) Date: 1861

A series of steep drops turn these parallel watercourses into rushing rivers of whitewater and curling whirlpools. The title might also be “Whirlpools, Hita, Bungo (Hoshu) Province”, as this seems be the district of Hita and the reading of the Japanese title as kama-ga-fuchi, or whirlpools.  Hita is known for is clear rivers that flow down from the mountains, and today many famous Japanese companies create beer, soy sauce and soft drinks from its waters. The most famous river in Hita is the Mikuma River, but that seems to flow rather peacefully, so perhaps the drama of these waters may be partially attributed to Hiroshige II’s artistic license. This is “first” deluxe edition, with all the additions of extra bokashi and areas of sparkling mica as well as the three-color cartouche. Bungo Province was in eastern Kyushu, in what is now Oita Prefecture.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: ôban 35.7 x 24.3 cm  Publisher: Uoya Eikichi 

Literature: See Victoria & Albert Museum and the Edo Tokyo Museum for its deluxe edition.  Signature: Hiroshige ga

SKU: HII041