100 Views of Edo # 4 Deluxe Edition by Ando Hiroshige

Artist: Ando Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858)

Woodblock Prints Title: 100 Views of Edo # 4- Tsukudajima from Eitai Bridge

1st Publication: February 1857

Size: Oban, 8-7/8" x 13-1/4"

Date of this edition: February 1857, 1st Edition

Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

Carver: Hori-Sen

Condition: Trimmed to the Margins then re-margin, littel remnants from prior mounting. Excellent colors and impression, very strong wood grain (From early printing), good overall condition.

Notes: This is an extremely rare first edition, Deluxe edition with Mica in the sky 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, splendid wood marks from the original block, mica, a real masterpiece from this 100 views of Edo series.

More about this print: This view in Edo Bay is one of only a few prints in this series in which Hiroshige attempted to portray a starlit sky. The fishing boats have come from Tsukudajima Island, lying silent in the distance. Employed by the shogun, they caught the tiny translucent shirauo, or "white fish," whose bland taste was favored by his prescribed diet. The vessels' bright fires were a familiar winter sight.

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.