Hiroshige 広重: Nihonbashi Bridge and Edobashi Bridge; Deluxe First Edition 日本橋江戸ばし) (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige 広重 (1797-1858)
Title: Nihonbashi Bridge and Edobashi Bridge 日本橋江戸ばし)
Series: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo 名所江戸百景
Date: 1857

Stunning first edition. Iconically cropped view of Nihonbashi bridge, with the metal ornament on the post at left, an element reserved for bridges of distinction. Although it is the opinion of Smith that Hiroshige has miffed the (squared) perspective of the top rail, it is this dealer’s opinion that Hiroshige is perfectly correct, as the topmost  handrail found on bridges of this type are round, no doubt to be more comfortable to the hands of pedestrians. In the lower right is the bucket of a fishmonger returning from the market. In the bucket is the famous first bonito, the earliest catch of the season of this important fish. Here we face east towards the rising sun, in perfect crimson coloration. We see boats of commerce on the river and rows of storehouses in the distance, also indicating a flourishing and bustling city center. This work almost feels like an experimental photograph with the choice of field of vision. 

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint first edition.
Dimensions: ôban (36.5 x 24.6 cm)
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi
Literature: Henry Smith II: Hiroshige One Hundred Famous View of Edo, plate 43. See also the online museum collections of AIC, MFA, Brooklyn, MET Museum.
Signature: Hiroshige ga

SKU: HIC143N