UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Lot 65 FROM A PRIVATE MIDWEST COLLECTION

UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Gojusan-tsugi meisho zu-e (Famous sights of the fifty-three stations) ["Vertical Tokaido"]

Closed19 September 2023

Price Realised

USD 32,760

More Information

Conditions of Sale
How to sell

UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Gojusan-tsugi meisho zu-e (Famous sights of the fifty-three stations) ["Vertical Tokaido"]
A complete set of fifty-five woodblock prints, each signed Hiroshige hitsu, published by Tsutaya Kichizo (Koeido), circa 1855
Vertical oban: 14 1/8 x 9 5/8 in. (35.9 x 24.4 cm.) each approx.
(55)

Sotheby's New York, 9 November 1984, lot 165

Specialist note

Hiroshige created several series portraying the fifty-three stations of Tokaido, the thoroughfare connecting the Shogun's seat in Edo with the imperial capital in Kyoto. The earliest among these, commonly referred to as "The Great Tokaido," was first published in 1833 (see lot 64) and attained widespread popularity at the time. This accomplishment solidified Hiroshige's stature as one of the foremost Ukiyo-e artists, alongside Hokusai.
In 1855, Hiroshige collaborated with Tsutaya Kichizo, a prominent publisher in Edo, to release a distinctive set showcasing the fifty-three stations, oriented vertically. This series, now recognized as "The Vertical Tokaido," employed numerous compositions with elevated perspectives. Through this series, Hiroshige's advancing mastery of working with vertical formats was prominently displayed.