HIROSHIGE: oban tate-e (37.2 x 24.7 cm. ea. approx.); the triptych entitled Awa Naruto no fukei "View of the whirlpools at Naruto in Awa province", signed Hiroshige ga on the left panel and published by Okawazaya Taiheiji, dated Snake VII (7/1857) and bearing censor's seal aratame--very good impression, slightly faded and stained, tears restored, especially center of middle panel above mountains and v-shaped restored tear center left of left panel

Details

HIROSHIGE: oban tate-e (37.2 x 24.7 cm. ea. approx.); the triptych entitled Awa Naruto no fukei "View of the whirlpools at Naruto in Awa province", signed Hiroshige ga on the left panel and published by Okawazaya Taiheiji, dated Snake VII (7/1857) and bearing censor's seal aratame--very good impression, slightly faded and stained, tears restored, especially center of middle panel above mountains and v-shaped restored tear center left of left panel

Lot Essay

One of the three great landscape triptychs Hiroshige conceived as a 'Snow, Moon and Flowers' set. In classic poetry the whirlpools of Naruto are compared to flowers so this triptych represents the 'Flowers' of the trio. As Hiroshige is not known to have visited the Naruto strait it is believed he designed the print with the help of a contemporary guidebook.