100 Views of Edo # 2 By Ando Hiroshige

Artist: Ando Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858)

Woodblock Prints Title: 100 Views of Edo # 2 - Kasumigaseki

1st Publication: January 1857

Size: 13-3/8 X 9 + Margins as shown

Date of this edition: January 1857

Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

Carver: Hori-Sen

Condition: Backed on a thin Edo era acid free paper, to reinforce the print as it shows signs of weakness in the light. Some mild toning and mild soiling. Good colors, fully margin. Good overall condition

More about this print: Hiroshige depicts traditional symbols and activities of the New Year, one of Japan's most important annual festivals. To the right appears the vertical slice of a gate pine (kadomatsu), a traditional New Year's decoration, which also organizes the scene to suggest a Noh drama stage set.

At the center is a somber procession of street theater performers climbing the slope known as Kasumigaseki. Two manzai artists, who perform celebratory chants and dances for samurai families, observe them. Kites fly above; one is inscribed with the name of the publisher of the series, which translates as "fishmonger."

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.