Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
<br>Series; Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces
Hiroshige's Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces- Hiroshige's fantastic 60-odd
Provinces series was done in the early 1850's and represents a further evolution of his
landscape design style, including some of his most modern designs. The most striking
new feature of this beautiful series was the vertical format. Until then landscape prints
were done in the horizontal format. This unique approach allowed Hiroshige to
experiment with the foreground and background contrasts that are typical of his work.
The aim of the series was to illustrate the wide variety of places all over Japan. Thus, a
print from each of the provinces. From the more urban centers to the beautiful rural
landscape of the provinces more far away, the series is a set of beautiful illustrations of
Edo period Japan.
9" x 13 3/4" + margins as shown
60o1
Title Page from the "60-odd Provinces"
Beautifully colored titled page for Hiroshige's "60-odd Provinces" series. A terrific print
with fine geometric and floral embossing in some of the cartouches.
60o2
Yamashiro Province, The Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama
A lovely Hiroshige depiction of the bridge across the Hozu River to Arashiyama.
Arashiyama was famous for its blossoming cherry trees in spring. In this print, visitors to
the village cross the bridge, cherry trees in full bloom across the landscape.
60o3
Yamato Province, Tatsuta Mountain and Tatsuta River
This beautiful design is a favorite from the series, a rural scene in the hilly environs near
Fuji with autumn leaves changing all around. The beautiful fall foliage printed in an
oxidized pigment, a lovely touch.
60o4
Kawachi Province, Mount Otoko in Hirakata
Lovely scene of the Yodo River flowing past Hirakata, boatmen poling their craft along
the blue waters. Mount Otoko, from which the Yodo River flows, rises above the mists in
the background. A terrific reprint with fine color and excellent detail.
60o5
Izumi Province, Takashi Beach
A fantastic Hiroshige landscape of Takashi Beach and the Osaka Bay beyond. The
Takashi Shrine seen in the foreground among pine trees. Lovely Hiroshige landscape
print with fine color and excellent detail.
60o6
Settsu Province, Sumiyoshi, Idemi Beach
Terrific depiction fo Idemi Beach and the Osaka bay from Hiroshige's "60-odd
Provinces" series. A lighthouse, part of the nearby Sumiyoshi Shrine, rises above a
cluster of pine trees in the foreground. The Shinto shrine, one of the oldest in Japan, is
dedicated to the gods of the sea. Lovely Hiroshige reprint.
60o7
Iga Province, Ueno
Lovely scene of the village of Ueno and the Kazu River flowing past. Travelers make
their way across the bridge and through the small village of Ueno. In the distance, a
daimyo castle sits at the base of the mountain range. Beautiful Hiroshige landscape print.
60o8
Ise Province, Mount Asama, Teahouses on the Mountain Pass
Terrific Hiroshige print depicting the Mount Asama mountain pass and the spectacular
view over Ise Bay from the teahouses nestled there. Travelers stop and rest at the
teahouses and make their way along steep paths. Beautiful Hiroshige print that makes
marvelous use of the vertical format.
60o9
Shima Province, Mount Hiyori, and Toba Harbor
Beautiful depiction of Toba Bay, ships moored in the harbor and vessels out at sea. In the
foreground, the village of Toba lines the beach along the foothills of Mount Hiyori,
famed for the beautiful vantage point it provided over Toba bay. A lovely print.
60o10
Owari Province, Tsushima, Tenno Festival
Five boats, elaborately decorated with lantern displays, sail down the Tenno River in this
fabulous Hiroshige depiction of the Tenno Festival. During the festival, teahouses were
specially erected along the riverbank to view the night festivities. A terrific reprint and an
excellent example from Hiroshige's "60-odd Provinces."
60o11
Mikawa Province, Horai Temple Mountains
This lovely depiction of the Horai Mountains is another example of Hiroshige's masterful
use of the vertical format. In the background, pilgrims make their way up the incredibly
steep steps along the mountainside to the Shingon monastery located at the summit.
Shrines line the stairway and the mountain is shrouded in mists. Fantastic Hiroshige
landscape print and a great choice from the series.
60o12
Totomi Province, Lake Hamana, Kanzan Temple in Horie and the Inasa-Horie Inlet
Fishermen work in the river and pedestrians make their way along the sandy beach
towards Horie in this lovely Hiroshige landscape print. In the background, the Kanzan
temple sits on the mountainside, among clusters of pine trees. The temple was famous for
the beautiful views in every direction.
60o13
Suruga Province, Miho Pine Grove
Terrific, classic Hiroshige depiction of the Miho pine grove and the beautiful view over
Suruga Bay. Mount Fuji rises in the distance, wrapped in mist and capped with a light
covering of snow. Boats sail along the river towards Shimizu. Lovely Hiroshige
landscape view.
60o14
Kai Province, Monkey Bridge
Terrific depiction of the monkey bridge, one of Hiroshige's favorite subjects. In this
beautiful print, Hiroshige shows the monkey bridge in autumn, framed by maple trees
turning red. The Katsura river churns beneath and pedestrians cross the bridge above.
Lovely use of color in this fine print design.
60o15
Izu Province, The Hot Springs of the Shuzen Temple
Fantastic Hiroshige print depicting the hot springs of Shuzen Temple, the most famous in
Izu Province. The Kukai is said to have discovered the hot springs in the ninth century
and built the temple nearby. The river Katsura flows between the bathhouses along the
bank. Lovely color and excellent detail in this fine reprint.
60o16
Sagami Province, Enoshima, The Entrance to the Caves
Terrific view of Enoshima, an island dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of fortune and
artistic success. This made Enoshima, and the caves that housed her shrine, especially
popular among kabuki actresses and actors of Hiroshige's time. Fuji rises on the horizon.
60o17
Musashi Province, Sumida River, Snowy Morning
This beautiful, tranquil print depicts the view of the Sumida River from Mount Matsuchi.
The countryside blanketed in snow, early morning boatmen begin their trek down the
river. Lovely Hiroshige snow scene.
60o18
Edo, Asakusa Fair
Terrific Hiroshige night view of the Asakusa Shrine in Edo during the Year End Fair. The
grounds of the temple filled with merchant stalls selling their wares and pedestrians
making their way through the market. Terrific night scene by Hiroshige, with a clear,
starry sky above the bustling temple grounds.
60o19
Awa Province, Kominato, Uchiura
A lovely Hiroshige view of Uchiura Bay, boats moored in the harbor. The village of
Uchiura is tucked along the beach on the opposite side of the bay, the large roof of the
Tanjo Temple visible beyond. In the foreground, travelers make their way down the path
from Mount Kiyosumi.
60o20
Kazusa Province, Yasashi Bay, Common name: Kujukuri
Terrific depiction of fishermen along the Yasashi Bay, commonly known as the "99mile" coast. The men are dragnet fishing and hauling in their nets to the beach, where
people wait with baskets to carry the catch to market for sale. Fine color and excellent
detail in this print.
60o21
Shimosa Province, Choshi Beach, Toura
A fantastic view of Choshi Beach and Byobu Bay. Fishermen navigate the choppier
waters along the coast near Thousand Cavalrymen Rock, the jutting, jagged rock in the
middle of the bay. Fuji rises along the peninsula across the water - lovely.
60o22
Hitachi Province, Daijingu Shrine in Kashima
Lovely shoreline view of Kashima from Lake Kita by Hiroshige. Kashima was the
location of the Daijingu Shrine, dedicated to the deity Takemikazuchi, the god of military
prowess. A torii gate in the water marks the entrance to the shrine. Pilgrims would often
arrive by boat from Edo - several boats are shown on the waters of Lake Kita bringing
visitors to the shrine. Lovely color and fine detail in this wonderful Hiroshige reprint.
60o23
Omi Province, Lake Biwa, Ishiyama Temple
A terrific Hiroshige print from his "60-odd Provinces" series depicting the Ishiyama
Temple at night, craftmen docked at teahouses along the shore where the Seta River
flows into Lake Biwa. The Seta Bridge spans the breadth of the river and Mount Ibuki
rises in the distance. A lovely print.
60o24
Mino Province, Yoro Waterfall
Yoro waterfall cascades some 100 feet off Mt. Tado in Yoro. This waterfall has been
famous since ancient times and is featured in many poems and is a popular tourist
attraction. The waterfall is shown here crashing down the rocks while the top is shrouded
in cloud. A terrific, unique Hiroshige design our beautiful old reprint is very finely done.
The water in our reprint printed in a finely embossed detail, as was the original, a nice
touch.
60o25
Hida Province, Basket Ferry
In this terrific illustration, travelers are ferried above a swift river between two sheer
cliffs by way of an ingenious rope system. Jagged cliffs rise up all around and the sun
sets behind the mountain range beyond. Beautiful color and excellent detail in this
fascinating print.
60o26
Shinano Province, The Moon Reflected in the Sarashina Paddy-fields, Mount Kyodai
In the distance, rising through clouds, the enormous Mount Kyodai looms over the
landscape. The moon catches on the Chikuma River that runs in the valley below and the
rice paddies in the foreground. The Choraku temple depicted on the right side of the print
was famous for its view of the moon.
60o27
Kozuke Province, Mount Haruna Under Snow
This wonderful image of the rural mountainous Kozuke area is a Hiroshige masterwork.
Wonderful snow scene, the rocky mountainside covered in snow and small temple
buildings perched at the edge of the cliff. Wonderful color, a favorite from the series.
60o28
Shimotsuke Province, Mount Nikko, Urami Waterfall
A fantastic Hiroshige waterfall print depicting Urami Waterfall cascading over a
mountain path. Travelers make their way up the steep mountainside trail, stopping to
appreciate the great torrent of water pouring down from Mount Nikko. A fantastic
Hiroshige landscape print and a great choice for a collector interested in waterfall prints.
60o29
Mutsu Province, View of Matsushima, Sight Map from Mount Tomi
Beautiful Hiroshige print of the islands of Matsushima in Mutsu Province. Matsushima is
comprised of many smaller islands and in this print, in a perspective from Mount Tomi,
Hiroshige illustrates this gorgeous view of the islands and their surroundings, noting the
names of each island. An excellent reprint.
60o30
Dewa Province, Mogami River, A Perspective View of Mount Gassan
The Mogami River is crowded with fishermen and cargoships in this wonderful
Hiroshige landscape print. The thatched roofs of villages can be spotted nestled among
the surrounding hills and in the distance Mount Gassan towers above the clouds.
Beautiful print with excellent color and fine detail.
60o31
Wakasa Province, A Fishing Boat Catching Flat Fish in a Net
Another terrific landscape print by Hiroshige depicting fishing boats in Wasaka Bay, the
waters of which were famous for the wide variety of fish inhabiting them. In the
foreground, the fishermen haul in their catch of flat-fish and crab. In the background,
boats are docked along the coast.
60o32
Echizen Province, Tsuruga, Kehi Pine Grove
Lovely view of Tsuruga Bay from Hiroshige's "60-odd Provinces" series. Rowboats hug
the shoreline near Tsuruga Village on the left and larger sailboats idle in the calm waters
of the bay. The pine trees in the foreground and on the opposite shoreline are part of the
Kehi Pine grove, one of the largest pine forests in Japan.
60o33
Kaga Province, The Eight Wonders of Kanazawa, The Fishing Fires on Lake Renko
Beautiful Hiroshige landscape print depicting Lake Renko and the torch fires of a small
fleet of cormorant fishermen on the lake. The fishermen's homes and teahouses are
shown on the sandy, small islands in the center of the print. Terrific print with excellent
color and fine detail.
60o34
Noto Province, Waterfall Bay
A lovely Hiroshige depiction of Waterfall Bay, pine trees and blossoming cherry trees
atop the two rock outcroppings - beautiful. Considered one of the most beautiful places in
Noto Province, this was known as Waterfall Bay because of the waterfall seen at the right
side of the print, cascading down above Ganmon cave.
60o35
Etchu Province, Toyama, Pontoon
The pontoon across the Jinzu River was built in 1661 and while it was not unique, it
attracted many tourists. In the bottom of the print, a few roofs of Toyama village are
visible. Lovely Hiroshige print and a terrific reprint.
60o36
Echigo Province, Oyashirazu
A fantastic Hiroshige print depicting the cliffs of Oyashirazu and the choppy sea
surrounding them. Pedestrians travel along the sandy beach beneath the cliffs on their
way to Tonami. The cliffs form the very end of the Hida mountain range and the village
of Tonami can just be seen at the far left.
60o37
Sado Province, The Goldmines
Terrific Hiroshige landscape print depicting the goldmines in Sado Province. While it
was known the region contained gold, these mines near the Ai River weren't mined until
1600 when they became a major source of funds for the shogun. Workmen carrying
baskets and picks enter the mining tunnels beneath the craggy face of the mountain.
Terrific color and excellent detail in this Hiroshige print.
60o38
Tanba Province, Kanegasaka
Wonderful view of the Sanindo highway through a mountainous region of Tanba
Province, the glow of the sunset still along the horizon. Fantastic rock formations in this
Hiroshige print from his "60-odd Provinces" series.
60o39
Tango Province, Ama no hashidate
Terrific bird's eye view of the Bay of Miyazu and the "ama no hashidate," a famous long,
narrow spit of land covered in pine trees. Boatmen navigate the waters on either side, a
small Shinto temple shown among the pines. Ama no hashidate was considered one of
the most beautiful seaside views in Japan.
60o40
Tajima Province, Iwai Valley, Kannon Cave
Lovely Hiroshige landscape print depicting Kannon Cave and the Jugen Monastery on
Mount Iwaya. Mists cling to the mountains, pilgrims make their way up the stone
staircase and the Gamo River rushes by to fall below into Iwai Valley. Beautiful reprint
with excellent color and fine detail.
60o41
Inaba Province, Karo, Koyama
Beautiful, serene landscape view from the mountain above Lake Koyama. In the
foreground, a pine tree and blossoming cherry tree grow side by side. In the background,
small fishing boats work the lake and the Sendai River, Karo village settled along its
banks.
60o42
Hoki Province, Ono, Distant View of Mount Daisen
Lovely early morning view of farmers in Hoki province laboring in paddy fields in the
early morning. The distance, obscured by the morning mist Mount Daisen rises in
silhouette, towering over the surrounding farmland. Beautiful Hiroshige landscape print
and a fine example from his "60-odd Provinces" series.
60o43
Izumo Province, Taisha, Depiction of Hotohoto
Terrific Hiroshige scene depicting young women near the Izumo Shrine during hotohoto.
Hotohoto was a local New Year celebration in Izumo Province. During the festival,
young people would dress is disguises and go from house to house to get small gifts. A
beautiful print with excellent color and fine detail.
60o44
Iwami Province, Mount Takazuno, Salt Beach
Excellent illustration of the salt beach at the foot of Mount Takazuno. In the foreground,
laborers carry their baskets down the beach as the water laps at the shore. In the
background, a torii gate on the base of Mount Takazuno leads to the Kakinomoto
Sanctuary above.
60o45
Oki Province, Takuhi Shrine
An absolutely fantastic print depicting the prow of a boat near the island of Nishi. The
Takuhi Shrine, indicated by the torii gate in the distance, was located on Nishi and was
considered one of the most significant shrines to the gods of the sea. Terrific detail in the
waves crashing against the hull of the boat, an outstanding Hiroshige design.
60o46
Harima Province, Maiko Beach
An excellent landscape print by Hiroshige depicting Maiko Beach. Wonderful
perspective in this print, viewing the pine trees down the coast and across the open sea, a
couple sails visible in the distance. Near the shore, visitors admire the view. Beautiful
color and excellent detail in this reprint.
60o47
Mimasaka Province, Yamabushi Valley
Beautiful Hiroshige depiction of Yamabushi Valley on a stormy day, huge diagonal
bursts of winds and rain cutting across the print. A dynamic, attractive design showing
Ysuyama River and Jizo Rock on the opposite side, travelers struggling against the wind
and rain.
60o48
Bizen Province, Tanokuchi Coast, Yugasan torii
A lovely depiction of the sea from the harbor of Tanoguchi, a small village located at the
foot of Mount Yuga. In the background, fishermen and cargo ships navigate the harbor.
In the foreground, dominating the design, the stone torii gate indicates the entrance to the
Yuga Sanctuary and the Rendai Monastery atop the mountain.
60o49
Bitchu Province, Gokei
Terrific Hiroshige landscape print depicting the Gokei Valley, the Makidani River
rushing through and the wild rock formations reaching into the sky. The tiny pedestrians
emphasize the enormous granite peaks along the valley. A lovely print.
60o50
Bingo Province, Abuto, Kannon Temple
Wonderful view of the Kannon Temple perched atop a craggy peak in Cape Abuto.
Fantastic nighttime view of the temple, the sheer cliff before it dropping to the choppy
waters below. The moon visible through the pine trees clustered around the temple.
Lovely Hiroshige print.
60o51
Aki Province, Itsukushima, Depiction of a Festival
Terrific view of the waters surrounding Itsukushima, location of a famous Shinto temple
whose deities protect seamen. In the foreground, the famous 160 meter high torii gate that
stood in the water before the island. In the background, boats decorated for a festival
celebrating the shrine. Wonderful Hiroshige print with excellent color and fine detail.
60o52
Suo Province, Iwakuni, Kintai Bridge
Fantastic Hiroshige landscape print depicting the Kintai Bridge in Suo Province. The 225
meter long Kintai Bridge was one of the most famous bridges in Japan. Built in 1673, it
provided passage to the town of Iwakuni, Mount Iwakuni rising in the distance. A lovely
print.
60o53
Nagato Province, Shimonoseki
An excellent landscape print depicting cargo ships moored on the waters near
Shimonoseki. In the foreground, two beauties take passage across the bay. Shimonoseki
was an important port city and was the location of the famous, decisive naval battle
between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Terrific Hiroshige print and a great example from
his "60-odd Provinces" series.
60o54
Kii Province, Waka no ura
Terrific view of Kii Province and Mount Imose. The Tatsuma Sanctuary, dedicated to the
gods of poems, sits on the slopes of Mount Imose, the small island across the bay. Cranes
cross the print in the foreground and the Kii mountain range rises beyond the red mist in
the background.
60o55
Awaji Province, Goshiki Beach
Fantastic Hiroshige print depicting fishermen in the waters off Goshiki Beach, dragging
nets through the waters to secure their catch. In the background, the village of Awaji is
visible beyond the beach. Excellent color and fine detail in this fine reprint.
60o56
Awa Province, Naruto Whirlpools
Considered by many the most spectacular design of the series, this fantastic design shows
the swirling waters at Awa crashing over the rocks near the shore. The narrow Naruto
strait connecting the Eastern inland sea and the Kii channel is situated between the island
Awaji and Naruto village in Awa province. This print gives a beautiful view of the
whirlpool between the rocks and churning waves. Awaji island can be seen on the
horizon with a little boat in front of it. One of Hiroshige's most famous designs and a
fine old reprint of this beautiful image. This is a rare find bid now!
60o57
Sanuki Province, Distant View of Mount Zozu
Lovely Hiroshige view of peasant travelers along the road in Sanuki Province. In the
background, Mount Zozu rises in the distance, Kotohira Sanctuary seen on the slopes.
Kotohira was a popular place for pilgrimage in Hiroshige's time. Beautiful print with
excellent color and fine detail.
60o58
Iyo Province, Saijo
Beautiful Hiroshige print depicting Saijo village, the mast of a ship and a flock of geese
passing through the foreground. Tucked between the sea and the foothills of Mount
Ishizuchi, Saijo was a fortified town during Hiroshige's time - the castle fortifications can
be seen beyond the village roofs.
60o59
Tosa Province, Bonito Fishing at Sea
Terrific Hiroshige depiction of bonito fisherman in the waters of Tosa Province. Dried
bonito were very popular during Hiroshige's time and bonito fishing was the biggest
industry in Tosa. Beautiful detail in the rolling waters, breaking against the hulls of the
fishing boats.
60o60
Chikuzen Province, Hakozaki, Umi no Nakamichi
Lovely view of the Hakata Bay and the sandy peninsula Umi no Nakamichi. Umi no
Nakamichi meant "Path in the Middle of the Sea" and separated the Hakata Bay on the
right from the Sea of Genkai-nada on the left. Hakozaki Village can be seen on the left.
Fine Hiroshige print with excellent color and detail.
60o61
Chikugo Province, The Currents Around the Weir
In this excellent Hiroshige print, a boatman poles his way down the Chikugo River, a
strip of sand running down the middle of the water. Haki Village is seen on the far bank,
surrounded by pines. The platform in the river was used to store nets for fishing in the
river. Excellent color and fine detail in this lovely Hiroshige landscape print.
60o62
Buzen Province, The Passage Under the Rakan Monastery
Terrific view of the cave passage beneath the mountains near Rakan Monastery, a famous
pilgrimage route. The caves were famous for the many statues of disciples of Buddha.
Pilgrims can be seen traveling in the caves alongside the river. An excellent reprint.
60o63
Bungo Province, Minosaki
Another fantastic landscape view from Hiroshige's "60-odd Provinces" series. In this
print, Morie Village, famed for the beauty of its natural environs, is shown among pines,
mountains rising behind it. Morie was also a popular port - a lighthouse is shown on a
rocky outcropping along the beach.
60o64
Hizen Province, Nagasaki, Mount Inasa
A beautiful view of Mt. Inasa across Nagasaki Bay. The landscape was famous for the
view of the mountain and coastline covered with pine trees at its foot. The houses depict
Nagasaki, formerly a little fishing village, but an important port since the middle 16th
century. An interesting historical footnote of this scene is that during the south imposed
isolation of the Tokogawa Shogunate, this was the only port in Japan open for Dutch,
Chinese, and Korean merchants. Lovely Hiroshige print, fantastic design.
60o65
Higo Province, Gokanosho
A spectacular view of the region of Higo Province near Gokanosho, a small village high
in the mountains. Here, a peasant is carrying baskets of reeds crosses a bridge formed by
a fallen tree. Crossing over the enormous gorge, a mountain peak rises beyond, shrouded
in clouds - beautiful.
60o66
Hyuga Province, Aburatsu Port, Obi Oshima
Excellent Hiroshige print depicting Aburatsu Port, an important harbor in its time and
famed for its fishing industry. Houses of Aburatsu Village can be seen in the lower left
hand corner, sails of fishing vessels seen in the distance.
60o67
Osumi Province, Sakura shima
A lovely view of the island of Sakurajima in Kagoshima Bay. Known for its active
volcano, the mountain rises in the background, blossoming cherry trees flourishing along
its base. Sailing vessels navigate the waters just off Sakurajima and the rooftops of
Kagoshima village can be seen near the water beneath the mountain. A beautiful
Hiroshige print and an excellent example of his work.
60o68
Satsuma Province, Bo Bay, The Two-sword Rocks
Spectacular view of the "Two-sword Rocks" in Bo Bay, two rock pillars jutting vertically
from the water. Viewed from the Mount Use in this print, Bo Bay became one of the
three major seaports in Japan. A terrific Hiroshige landscape and an impressive use of
vertical space in this print.
60o69
Iki Province, Shisa
A terrific landscape view of Imari Bay from Kitamatsu ura Peninsula. Shisa Village is
shown in the lower left corner and Iki Island is on the horizon. Lovely snow scene from
Hiroshige's "60-odd Provinces" series.
60o70
Tsushima Province, A Fine Evening on the Coast
Beautiful view of Tsushima Province in the Korea Strait between Japan and Korea. It was
an important trade route between the two countries as it was only 50 kilometers from
Korea. A rainbow arcs high in the sky above the island - beautiful.