Artwork

Kisoji no Sansen|雪月花 木曽路之山川|Kisō Mountains in Snow

Kisoji no Sansen|雪月花 木曽路之山川|Kisō Mountains in Snow, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1857
Kisoji no Sansen|雪月花 木曽路之山川|Kisō Mountains in Snow, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1857

Kisoji no Sansen|雪月花 木曽路之山川|Kisō Mountains in Snow is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Hiroshige's *Kisoji no Sansen* (1857) is a triptych of woodblock prints on paper, executed in ink and color, portraying the serene landscape of the Kisō Mountains in Japan.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a tranquil winter scene with snow-covered mountains, a winding river, and surrounding foliage, evoking a sense of peace and serenity through its composition.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a muted palette dominated by blues and whites, the print features soft colors and gentle lines, typical of Hiroshige's departure from traditional ukiyo-e themes towards landscape-focused ukiyo-e.

History & Provenance

Created in 1857, *Kisoji no Sansen* is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, highlighting Hiroshige's contribution to landscape ukiyo-e.

Context

This piece reflects Hiroshige's shift away from ukiyo-e's common urban and entertainment themes, instead emphasizing Japan's natural beauty, specifically a lesser-known mountain route.

Legacy

As a notable example of Hiroshige's work, *Kisoji no Sansen* influences the appreciation of Japanese landscape art, encouraging exploration of his oeuvre for similar serene and naturalistic themes.

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.