100 Views of Edo # 71 by Ando Hiroshige

Artist: Ando Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858)

Woodblock Prints Title: Scattered Pines, Tone River (Tonegawa Barabara-matsu), from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)

1st Publication: August 1856

Size: Vertical ôban; 37.6 x 25.3 cm (14 13/16 x 9 15/16 in.)

Date of this edition: August 1856

Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

Condition: Very fine. Exceptional colors and condition.

More about this print: We can almost hear the swish as the fisherman casts his net out over the Tone River. The stubby lead weights around the edge of the net form a pleasing border to the intricate web within, a masterpiece of carving technique.

Through the net is a blurred continuation of the distant shore. The "scattered pines" of the title may be explained by the pine trees on the island at the left, worn and twisted by the wind. The place was popular among fishermen for its carp.

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.