Part of Hiroshige's "Eight famous views of Yedo (Tokyo) environs," wood block prints (originals from 1838). This print is 15" x 10 1/2", and the mat is 14" x 18". These were gifts to his friends. He chose to paint places without mountains so he could write poems in the sprawling sky. Located on the east side of Edogawa River, Gyotoku was known for it's salt fields. In this print, however, Hiroshige captured another aspect of the Gyotoku - that of a fishing village. Fishing boats are returning home from their work for the day. The sky is full of warm light and color and the whiteness of the sails is fascinating. The ferry boat and working fishermen in the foreground reveal part of everyday life of the Yedo people. The print is on thicker paper than the very thin traditional rice paper used in much earlier prints.