Japanese Woodblock Print, originally published 1832 by the publisher Sanoya Kihei, this is a Showa era edition published by Watanabe from recarved wood blocks

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, approx. 10.5 x 15.5 inches

COMMENTS: From the series Famous Views of the Eastern Capital

PEOPLE, SOME WITH UMBRELLAS, are crossing Nihon Bridge as a gentle rain falls. The next bridge, Ichikoku, can be seen to the right, and the castle of the shogun behind it and Mount Fuji on the horizon. It is a summer shower. The sky is yellowish and the black band along the upper edge of the print indicates the approach of evening. The setting sun has already colored the horizon red.

HIROSHIGE UTAGAWA or Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a Japanese artist during the 19th century and is considered the last great master of the ukiyo-e movement. His approach was more poetic and ambient than the typical ukiyo-e style, and his innovative compositions were a great influence to Western painters, such as Vincent van Gogh. The term ukiyo-e translates to "pictures of the floating world" and refers to a genre of Japanese art with a wide span of imagery such as kabuki actors, folk tales, landscapes, and even erotica. This movement was critical in forming the Western perception of Japanese art.

Fine, no flaws