Artwork
近江八景之内 瀬田夕照|Seta no Sekisho. Sunset, Seta. Lake Biwa

近江八景之内 瀬田夕照|Seta no Sekisho. Sunset, Seta. Lake Biwa is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sunset, Seta, a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (c. 1835), presents a serene lakeside vista from his *Eight Views of Lake Biwa* series. Characterized by soft blues and grays, the piece captures the tranquility of a fading sunset over Lake Biwa.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a peaceful lake scene with a long bridge, small boats, houses under bare trees, and a distant mountain. The composition conveys a sense of calm, reflecting Hiroshige’s focus on natural beauty within the ukiyo-e genre.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige employed subtle ink and color techniques to evoke the softness of a sunset. The simplicity of the bridge’s lines and the still water enhance the serene atmosphere, showcasing his ability to convey tranquility through minimalist composition.
History & Provenance
Created around 1835, *Sunset, Seta* is part of Hiroshige’s *Eight Views of Lake Biwa* series. The print is now held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.
Context
This work diverges from the typical ukiyo-e themes of urban life, aligning instead with Hiroshige’s broader interest in scenic landscapes, later fully explored in *One Hundred Famous Views of Edo*.
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.















