Artwork

西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3

西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1823
西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1823

西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, 'Western Pocket Watch from the Spring Rain Collection,' is part of a privately commissioned album created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1823. It is executed in ink and color on paper, characteristic of the surimono genre.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a Western-style pocket watch with a white face and black hands, attached to a chain and accompanied by other objects. The inclusion of a foreign object reflects the growing influence of Western culture during the Edo period.

Technique & Style

The composition is balanced, with the pocket watch as the central focus. The use of color and arrangement of surrounding objects creates harmony. The print features Japanese writing in black ink on a light beige background, adding context to the scene.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Hiroshige

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.