UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Two boats loaded with passengers cross in the middle of the Sumida River. The Hashiba Ferry, also called Shirahige no watashi, was the oldest ferry in Edo (Tokyo) near the Shirahige Bridge. The plume of smoke that dominates the design exudes from the kilns producing Imado ware, famous for tiles and pottery toys. The use of the wood grain from the wood block and color shading under the boats, seagulls and on the smoke characterize early impressions of this print.