Hiroshige: Kuwana
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 Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)

The ferry boat from Miya entering Kuwana harbour after the so-called "seven mile crossing" (shichi-ri). From a small boat, freshly cooked mussels are offered for sale to the travellers. In the background the castle of Kuwana.

Title: Kuwana - Shichiri no watashibune (Kuwana - The Seven-Mile Ferry) - Station No. 43

Series: Gojûsan tsugi meisho zue (Famous views of the 53 places i.e. stations along the Tokaido highway), also known as "Vertical Tôkaidô".

Signature: Hiroshige hitsu

Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizô (Kôeidô), Edo

Censorship: Aratame

Date: 1855, 7th month

Original Japanese colour woodblock print. Size: Vertical Oban, 34.1 x 22.3 cm (image)

Very nice impression and colours, with well visible wood-grain. An unobtrusive vertical centrefold smoothed, very thin backing, few small printing smudges. Overall very good condition.

Yoneda/Walter, p. 100 f, no. 43. Cf. also MFA Boston, Spaulding Coll., no. 21.5284 a.o.; Honolulu Museum of Art, Michener Coll., no. 23129 a.o.; Vincent Van Gogh Foundation Collection, no. N71

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