UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
1 plus
Property from the Alan Medaugh Collection
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

White Heron Standing among Reeds

Details
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
White Heron Standing among Reeds
Woodblock print, embellished by embossing (karasuri), signed Hiroshige hitsu, published by Kawaguchiya Shozo (Shoeido), early 1830s
Vertical chutanzaku: 15 x 5 1⁄8 in. (38.1 x 13 cm.)
Provenance
Israel Goldman Japanese Prints, London
Acquired from the above, 2008
Literature
Hiroshige Nature and the City: Prints from the Alan Medaugh Collection (Ludion, 2023). Plate no. 279.
Alfred Haft, Hiroshige: artist of the open road (UK: The British Museum Press, 2025), Exh. cat., Plate 95.
Exhibited
'Hiroshige: artist of the open road', The British Museum, London, 1 May-7 September 2025

Présenté par

Takaaki Murakami (村上高明)
Takaaki Murakami (村上高明) Vice President, Specialist and Head of Department | Japanese and Korean Art

Consultez le rapport d’état ou contactez-nous pour obtenir des informations supplémentaires à ce sujet

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Descriptif du lot

One of the finest examples of Hiroshige’s kacho-ga (bird-and-flower) prints, this work demonstrates several of the artist’s most sophisticated printing techniques. The egret is left uncolored, with their delicate details of feathers defined through karazuri (embossing). The subtle bokashi shading enhances the sense of a cool, humid summer atmosphere, while the restrained use of color conveys the quiet freshness of the season.
The egret has traditionally been regarded as a noble creature, admired for its pure white feathers and its ability to remain clean despite foraging in muddy waters. It thus came to symbolize moral integrity and uprightness. The poem inscribed above may be interpreted as expressing admiration for a person who remains true to their way of life regardless of social status or position.

En savoir plus sur Hiroshige: Colors of the Four Seasons | The Alan Medaugh Collection

View All
View All