100 Views of Edo # 3 Deluxe Edition by Ando Hiroshige

Artist: Ando Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858)

Title of the Print: 100 Views of Edo # 3 - Hibiya and Soto-Sakurada from Yamashita-Chô

1st Publication: December 1857

Size: 8-5/8 x 13-1/4 + Margins as Shown

Date of this edition: December 1857, 1st Edition

Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

Carver: Hori-Sen

Condition: Some soiling on the right margin and a little bit over the right side of the print. A few clear spots and repaired area on the right margin and upper left corner, not affecting the print. A pinhole in the sky area not really visible. Great colors, very nice wood grain mark from the original blocks, good overall condition.

Notes: This is an extremely rare first edition, Deluxe edition with Mica in the ground floor area. Usually, this technique was reserved for good customer or prestigious people, as the technology was fairly new, expensive and difficult to master. Great print, great colors, full margins which is rare for this series, splendid wood marks from the original block, mica, a real masterpiece from this 100 views of Edo series.

More about this print: In this view looking westward from a commoner neighborhood (Yamashita-chō) toward the daimyo, or military lord, district of Soto-Sakurada, Hiroshige represents children's games and activities associated with the New Year's holiday.

Projecting discreetly from either side—the one on the left from behind a close detail of the New Year's kadomatsu, or gate pine—are paddles for a game similar to badminton with the shuttlecock posed in midair. In the distance, kites dance whimsically against the upper margin