Kiyochika: Suijin Forest by the Sumida River (Sold)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847-1915)
Title: Suijin Forest by the Sumida River (Sumidagawa Suijin no mori)
Series: One Hundred Views of Musashi Province (Musashi hyakkei no uchi)
Date: Nov. 10, 1884 (Meiji 17)

A strong rain shower has just passed overhead and a few large droplets still drip from the eaves. Our view from the verandah includes boats on the Sumida River and the Minakami Forest in the distance. We feel as though the occupant may return at any moment; a Chinese lute is set against a pillar and pages of musical notation are shown open on the floor. This instrument enjoyed a popular resurgence in Japan around 1884 (Meiji 16) again. Chinese items such as pots and cups were also considered to be modern and fashionable at that time; we see two of each here, as if the occupant were perhaps waiting for their music teacher to arrive. This series serves as a bold and innovative bridge between Hiroshige's 100 Views of Edo and and Hasui's views of Tokyo in the early 20th century. First edition, with mica highlights.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. With large margins.
Dimensions: ôban (36.3 x 24.4 cm)
Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujiro
Seal: Carver: hori-ho
Signature: Shinsei Kiyochika with his seal Shinsei; Taguchi Yoneharu hohitsu

SKU: KYC478