Artwork
東海道五十三次之内 品川 鮫洲朝之景|Shinagawa Samesu Asa no Kei
東海道五十三次之内 品川 鮫洲朝之景|Shinagawa Samesu Asa no Kei is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, Shinagawa Samesu Asa no Kei, was created by Utagawa Hiroshige around 1842 as part of his series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō. It is a serene depiction of a morning scene at Shinagawa, a post station along the Tōkaidō road.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a tranquil tea house by the water, with a man sipping tea on a bench, another man nearby, and a woman approaching with a basket. Boats are visible in the background against a pink and orange sky, capturing a moment of everyday life.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors, conveying energy and movement. Intricate designs on the tea house and boats demonstrate the artist's attention to detail, showcasing his skill in ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art typically focused on landscapes and scenes of daily life.
History & Provenance
Utagawa Hiroshige, born Andō Tokutarō in 1797, was a prominent ukiyo-e artist of the Edo period, known for his landscape prints. The print is executed in ink and color on paper, a typical medium for ukiyo-e works.
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.
