Artwork
金沢八景 乙艫帰帆|Otomo Kihan
金沢八景 乙艫帰帆|Otomo Kihan is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Otomo Kihan is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige around 1836, as part of his *Eight Views of Kanazawa* series. Executed in ink and color on paper in a horizontal format, it is now held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene harbor scene at sunset, featuring a small boat approaching shore, two figures walking along a pine-lined path (one with an umbrella), and a softly glowing sky with distant hills fading into mist. The composition conveys a sense of peacefulness and natural beauty.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige employs simple shapes and bold colors to achieve depth in the print. The work exemplifies his characteristic atmospheric rendering of landscapes, a departure from the typical ukiyo-e focus on urban themes.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1836 for *Eight Views of Kanazawa*, *Otomo Kihan* is part of a series highlighting scenic views of Kanazawa. The print is currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Context
As part of the *Eight Views of Kanazawa*, *Otomo Kihan* reflects Hiroshige's contribution to ukiyo-e's shift towards landscape emphasis, influenced by Japanese travel routes and natural scenery.
Legacy
*Otomo Kihan*, through its representation in prominent collections like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, contributes to Hiroshige's reputation as a leading Edo period ukiyo-e artist known for capturing the beauty of Japanese landscapes.
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.
