UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

This is a view of Mount Fuji from the widest point of the Sumida River, where there is a small island (nakasu), forming a fork between the Sumida and Hakozaki Rivers. This area also was a dividing pool between fresh water and tidewater. This island surrounded with reeds was famous for moon-viewing in summer time and was reclaimed to build a new pleasure quarter in the early 1770s. The tri-colored title cartouche and distinct gradation of Mount Fuji, haze and reeds on water indicate that this is a very early impression.