Eitaibashi Tsukudajima (Tsudajima from Eitai bridge)

One of the masterpieces among Hiroshige’s night scenes from the series, this print creates a remarkable sense of depth and atmosphere. The dark bokashi across the water in the foreground suggests a viewpoint from a boat beneath Eitai Bridge, looking up toward the moon. Regarded as one of the most prominent bridges in Edo, Eitai Bridge was also associated with seasonal shirauo fishing. Behind the bridge pier, a fishing fire burns at the bow of a fisherman’s boat, its warm glow reflected on the surface of the water. The night scene is enveloped in a profound sense of silence and stillness. The dark bokashi surrounding the moon and the light bokashi around the reflection of the fishing fire are characteristic of the first impression of this print.

A similar impression is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, see accession number: 11.16728.