Yanagishima, from the series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)"
Medium
Color woodblock print; oban
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
34090
Art Historical Context
**Yanagishima, from series "One Hundred Famous of Edo"** Utagawa Hirosh (1797–1858), a master of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, created this stunning color woodblock print in 1857 as part of acclaimed series *One Hundred Famous of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)*. Produced in his final years, the series captures the beauty of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) through 118 vibrant landscapes, blending urban scenes with natural splendor across seasons. *Yanagishima*, or "Willow Island," depicts a serene riverside spot on the Arakawa River, evoking the leisurely pleasures of Edo's "floating world." Hiroshige's geniu...
About the Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige · 1826–1869
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), born Andō Tokutarō, was the last great master of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printmaking and one of the most influential landscape artists in history. Born in Edo (modern Tokyo) into a low-ranking samurai family serving as fire wardens, Hiroshige transformed landscape printmaking into a poetic meditation on nature, weather, and everyday life. His revolutionary approac...