Artwork
歌川広重画 朝顔|Morning Glories
歌川広重画 朝顔|Morning Glories is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Utagawa Hiroshige's *Morning Glories*, a woodblock print from around 1843, showcases the artist's deviation from traditional ukiyo-e subjects, focusing instead on natural beauty. This piece, part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies Hiroshige's penchant for capturing serene, everyday scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The print features a bouquet of morning glories, a recurring motif in Hiroshige's work, characterized by intertwined stems, leaves, and flowers facing various directions. The composition highlights the beauty of common, natural subjects, a hallmark of Hiroshige's approach to ukiyo-e.
Technique & Style
Executed in Hiroshige's simple yet expressive style, the print employs bold lines, flat colors, and a subtle beige-to-blue gradient background. Japanese writing in the upper left corner adds contextual depth, while the overall aesthetic remains understated and contemplative.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1843 during the late Edo period, *Morning Glories* is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, reflecting the global appreciation for Hiroshige's unique contribution to ukiyo-e.
Context
Within the broader context of ukiyo-e, which often emphasized urban life and pleasures, Hiroshige's *Morning Glories* stands out for its rural, natural theme, aligning with the artist's known interest in landscapes and travel scenes.
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.
