Japanese Woodblock Print, originally published posthumously in 1928, this is a later Showa Era edition

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, 15 x 9.5 inches

COMMENTS: This design is from a series that is unusual for Hiroshige prints, because although the designs were drawn in 1847 by Hiroshige, they were never printed in his lifetime. In 1928 the publisher Sao Shotaro, came into possession of the drawing and published the series known as Eight Snow Scenes in the Eastern Capital from which this is print number 3.

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.

VG, minor flaws