100 Views of Edo # 39 by Ando Hiroshige

Artist: Ando Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858)

Woodblock Print Title: Distant View of Kinryûzan Temple and Azuma Bridge (Azumabashi Kinryûzan enbô), from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)

1st Publication: August 1857

Size: Vertical oban; 13 5/16" x 8 3/4" (33.8 x 22.2 cm)

Date of this edition: August 1857

Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

Condition: A stain and a few pin holes on the left side of the print. Backed on an acid free edo era paper. Excellent colors and impression, very good overall.

More about this print: The pleasure boat in the foreground of this scene features a stylish, discreetly hidden geisha. Accompanying her would be one or two guests, perhaps another geisha, and no doubt an attendant or two. The shower of petals fluttering by suggests that they have just enjoyed a day viewing cherry blossoms. Beyond is the "distant view" of the title. To the right is the huge main hall and the towering five-story pagoda of Asakusa Kannon Temple (formerly known as Kinryūzan Sensōji), the most ancient and popular Buddhist temple in the city. To the left is Azuma Bridge, the last and northernmost of the four bridges spanning the Sumida River, and beyond in the far distance is the peak of Mount Fuji.

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.