Artwork
諸國名橋奇覧 飛越の堺つりはし|The Suspension Bridge on the Border of Hida and Etchū Provinces (Hietsu no sakai tsuribashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 飛越の堺つりはし|The Suspension Bridge on the Border of Hida and Etchū Provinces (Hietsu no sakai tsuribashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, circa 1830, depicts a dramatic landscape featuring a suspension bridge connecting two steep cliffs. Part of the series 'Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces,' it is now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases the Suspension Bridge on the border of Hida and Etchū Provinces, highlighting its structural simplicity and strength as two travelers cross with bundles. The scene conveys a sense of serene functionality amidst a rugged, natural backdrop.
Technique & Style
Hokusai employed clean lines and flat colors to maintain clarity and calmness in the composition. The contrast between the bridge's sturdy yet simple design and the surrounding landscape's depth is underscored by the artist's restrained use of visual elements.
History & Provenance
Created around 1830, the print is part of a broader series focusing on notable bridges across various provinces. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
As part of 'Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces,' this work reflects 19th-century Japanese interest in documenting and aesthetically capturing the country's infrastructure and natural beauty. Bridges, as subjects, symbolized connection and engineering prowess.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this individual print are not highlighted, as a work by Hokusai within a recognized series, it contributes to the broader appreciation of ukiyo-e woodblock printing's influence on global art and the enduring popularity of Hokusai's landscapes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.
- 諸國名橋奇覧 すほうの国きんたいはし|Kintai Bridge in Suō Province (Suō no kuni Kintaibashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 かめゐど天神たいこはし|The Arched Bridge at Kameido Tenjin Shrine (Kameido Tenjin Taikobashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 山城あらし山吐月橋 |Togetsu Bridge at Arashiyama in Yamashiro, from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 三河の八ツ橋の古図|Ancient View of Yatsuhashi in Mikawa Province (Mikawa no Yatsuhashi no kozu), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 すほうの国きんたいはし|Kintai Bridge in Suō Province (Suō no kuni Kintaibashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 東海道岡崎矢はぎのはし|Yahagi Bridge at Okazaki on the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō Okazaki Yahagi no hashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 東海道岡崎矢はぎのはし|Yahagi Bridge at Okazaki on the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō Okazaki Yahagi no hashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
葛飾北斎画 冨嶽三十六景 深川万年橋下|Under the Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa (Fukagawa Mannenbashi shita), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
「諸國名橋寄覧 東海道岡崎 矢はぎのはし」|Yahagi Bridge at Okazaki on the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō Okazaki Yahagi no hashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
諸國名橋奇覧 足利行道山くものかけはし|The Hanging-cloud Bridge at Mount Gyōdō near Ashikaga (Ashikaga Gyōdōzan kumo no kakehashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)
An Ancient Picture of the Eight Part Bridge in Mikawa Province (from the series Curious Views of Famous Bridges in the Provinces)
諸國名橋奇覧 足利行道山くものかけはし|The Hanging-cloud Bridge at Mount Gyōdō near Ashikaga (Ashikaga Gyōdōzan kumo no kakehashi), from the series Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces (Shokoku meikyō kiran)