Artwork
The Whirlpools of Awa
The Whirlpools of Awa is a print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Whirlpools of Awa is a print by Hiroshige, part of a triptych series exploring the theme of setsugekka, or 'snow, moon, and flowers'.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a river with turbulent whirlpools under a pale sky, with boats and figures navigating the treacherous waters. The swirling water is likened to flowers, evoking a sense of delicate beauty amidst natural power.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige employed flat colors and bold outlines to create a scene that is both realistic and dreamlike, characteristic of the ukiyo-e style.
Context
This print is part of a series that juxtaposes the power of nature with serene beauty, reflecting Hiroshige's exploration of traditional Japanese themes late in his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
雪月花 阿波鳴門之風景|Rapids at Naruto
Buyō Kanazawa Hasshō Yakei|雪月花 武陽金沢八勝夜景|Full Moon at Kanazawa, Province of Musashi
琉球八景 臨海潮（湖）聲|Sound of the Lake at Rinkai (Rinkai kosei), from the series Eight Views of the Ryūkyū Islands (Ryūkyū hakkei)
Karasaki no Yau|近江八景の内 唐崎夜雨|Evening Rain at Karasaki, Pine Tree
Picture of the Lake at Hakone, from the series 53 Stations of the Tokaido
Awazu no Seiran|近江八景之内 粟津晴嵐|Clearing Weather at Awazu
冨嶽三十六景 相州江の島|Enoshima in Sagami Province (Sōshū Enoshima), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
近江八景之内 比良暮雪|Evening Snow on Hira, Lake Biwa