Artwork

東都名所 真崎雪晴ノ図|Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki

東都名所 真崎雪晴ノ図|Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1828
東都名所 真崎雪晴ノ図|Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1828

東都名所 真崎雪晴ノ図|Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1828, characterized by its serene depiction of a winter scene in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Executed in ink and color on paper, it exemplifies Hiroshige's renowned landscape style within the ukiyo-e tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a tranquil moment along the Sumida River as snow melts under a pale sky. Two figures in traditional attire navigate a small boat, set against a backdrop of snow-covered buildings and trees, conveying the peaceful coexistence of human activity and nature's serenity.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employs muted colors and gentle, suggestive brushstrokes to evoke calm. Notable is the attention to detail in the textures of natural elements and the intricate patterns on the figures' clothing, showcasing his mastery of ukiyo-e's aesthetic balance between simplicity and nuance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828, this work is part of Hiroshige's broader output of landscape prints that contributed to his prominence in Edo period ukiyo-e. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this piece within its collection, highlighting its recognition as a significant example of Japanese artistic heritage.

Context

Within the context of Hiroshige's oeuvre, Clearing Weather after Snow at Massaki reflects his fascination with capturing Edo's landscapes and seasonal changes, a theme also explored in his famous series, The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.

Legacy

This print contributes to Hiroshige's lasting influence on the development of ukiyo-e and beyond, inspiring subsequent artists with its harmonious blend of natural beauty and everyday life, ensuring its place in the canon of Japanese art history.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Hiroshige

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤 徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.