Andō, Hiroshige,, 1797-1858,, artist.

Massaki-hen yori Suijin no mori uchigawa sekiya no sato o miru zu

[1857]

1 print : woodcut, color ; 36.3 x 24.1 cm.

Title Translation: View from Massaki of Suijin Shrine, Uchigawa Inlet, and Sekiya.

Notes: Title and other descriptive information compiled by Nichibunken-sponsored Edo print specialists in 2005-06. From the series: Meisho edo hyakkei : 100 famous views of Edo. Format: vertical Oban Nishikie. Illus. in album: Gajō icchō, p. 3. Restricted access; material extremely fragile; please use online digital image. Print shows a view through a semi-circle of boats on the Uchi River inlet, with blossoms in the foreground and distant view of the Suijin shrine. Forms part of: Visual materials from Donald D. Walker collection. Forms part of: Japanese prints and drawings (Library of Congress). Exhibited: "Sakura : Cherry Blossom as Living Symbol of Friendship" in the Graphic Arts Gallery, Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., 2012.

Subjects: Rivers--Japan--Tokyo--1850-1860. Shipping--Japan--Tokyo--1850-1860. Shrines--Japan--Tokyo--1850-1860. City & town life--Japan--Tokyo--1850-1860. Tokyo (Japan)--1850-1860.

Format: Ukiyo-e--Japanese--Color--1850-1860. Woodcuts--Japanese--Color--1850-1860.

Rights Info: No known restrictions on publication.

Repository: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

Exhibit caption: Hiroshige's window-framed view is punctuated by a flowering branch of budding plum or ume. Ume, which blooms in early spring, have strong connections to the Asian continent, especially in Chinese poetry and painting, in which they are often portrayed together with the melodious uguisu, or "bush warbler." Its blossoms were a popular inspiration for springtime flower appreciation including hanami (flower viewing) parties in early Japanese culture before the primary focus moved to sakura blossoms. The perspective taken in this image may be from the second-story window of one of several restaurants at the Massaki Inari Shrine, looking across the Sumida River.

Higher resolution image is available (Persistent URL): hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/jpd.02920