Artwork

山海見立相撲備前偸賀山|Mount Yuga in Bizen Province (Bizen Yugasan), from the series Wrestling Matches between Mountains and Seas (Sankai mitate zumō)

山海見立相撲備前偸賀山|Mount Yuga in Bizen Province (Bizen Yugasan), from the series Wrestling Matches between Mountains and Seas (Sankai mitate zumō) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 8 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print is part of Utagawa Hiroshige's series Wrestling Matches between Mountains and Seas. Created with ink and color on paper, it showcases the artist's skill in landscape depiction.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a snow-covered mountain in Bizen Province, with a village and body of water below. The serene scene conveys tranquility, featuring trees, buildings, and a temple or shrine in the foreground.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige's use of color and composition creates depth and perspective, drawing the viewer into the scene. The soft blue sky with snowflakes adds to the atmospheric effect, characteristic of his landscape works.

Context

As a leading ukiyo-e artist, Hiroshige often focused on natural and scenic views, departing from the genre's typical subjects. This print is an example of his contribution to the landscape genre.

Artist & collection

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.