Night Scene on the Sumida River

Executed in the ukiyo‑e woodblock tradition, the print utilizes subtle gradations of ink to render the moon’s illumination and the smooth water surface. Hiroshige’s characteristic use of negative space and restrained color palette enhances the sense of depth, while the delicate line work defines the dock and distant foliage without overwhelming the composition.

The work belongs to the later phase of Hiroshige’s career, when he turned his attention toward landscape subjects. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of Japanese prints, illustrating the artist’s influence on Western appreciation of Edo‑period visual culture.