Artwork
東海道五十三次 由井|Yui
東海道五十三次 由井|Yui is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, titled 'Yui', is part of Utagawa Hiroshige's series 'The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō', created around 1840. It is a serene depiction of a rocky coastline, rendered in ink and color on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a tranquil scene at Yui, a post station along the historic Tōkaidō road, showcasing natural and cultural landmarks. Figures walking along the shore, some with umbrellas, add a sense of human presence to the landscape.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige's use of soft, blended colors in the sky and deep blues in the water creates a peaceful atmosphere. The composition balances the natural scenery with the presence of people and a building, highlighting the artist's skill in capturing the interplay between landscape and human activity.
History & Provenance
The print is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifying Hiroshige's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition, particularly in his innovative focus on landscapes and the Tōkaidō route.
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.
