Sneeuwlandschap bij Hikifune in Koume

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

**Sneeuwlandschap Hikifune in Kou** by Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847–1915) captures a serene winter scene from Tokyo's Shitaya district, near Hikifune Bridge in the Koume area. Created between 1877 and 1882 during Japan's Meiji era—a time of rapid Westernization and modernization—this *nishiki-e* (brocade print) exemplifies Kiyochika's mastery of full-color woodblock printing. At 236 × 337 mm, its intimate scale made it accessible to everyday viewers, reflecting ukiyo-e's tradition of affordable, mass-produced art depicting the "floating world" of beauty and transience. Kiyochika, a pivotal figure bridging traditional Japanese printmaking with emerging Western techniques, infused his landscapes with subtle shading and atmospheric depth, evoking the crisp stillness of snow blanketing urban rooftops and bridges. This print likely belongs to his acclaimed series of snowy Tokyo vistas, which celebrated everyday locales amid societal change. The verso bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2760), hinting at its esteemed provenance in European collections. As a cultural artifact, it highlights Meiji Japan's tension between old and new: vibrant *nishiki-e* colors from up to 10 woodblocks contrast the monochromatic snow, symbolizing resilience in transformation. A poetic reminder of winter's quiet beauty! (198 words)

About the Artist

Kobayashi Kiyochika · 1847–1915

Japanese, 1847–1915