Artwork
The Whirlpools of Awa
The Whirlpools of Awa is a print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1930.183
- Credit line
- Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore
About this work
Overview
The Whirlpools of Awa is a print by Hiroshige, part of a triptych series exploring the theme of setsugekka, or 'snow, moon, and flowers'.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a river with turbulent whirlpools under a pale sky, with boats and figures navigating the treacherous waters. The swirling water is likened to flowers, evoking a sense of delicate beauty amidst natural power.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige employed flat colors and bold outlines to create a scene that is both realistic and dreamlike, characteristic of the ukiyo-e style.
Context
This print is part of a series that juxtaposes the power of nature with serene beauty, reflecting Hiroshige's exploration of traditional Japanese themes late in his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤 徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
雪月花 阿波鳴門之風景|Rapids at Naruto
Buyō Kanazawa Hasshō Yakei|雪月花 武陽金沢八勝夜景|Full Moon at Kanazawa, Province of Musashi
琉球八景 臨海潮（湖）聲|Sound of the Lake at Rinkai (Rinkai kosei), from the series Eight Views of the Ryūkyū Islands (Ryūkyū hakkei)
Karasaki no Yau|近江八景の内 唐崎夜雨|Evening Rain at Karasaki, Pine Tree
Picture of the Lake at Hakone, from the series 53 Stations of the Tokaido
Awazu no Seiran|近江八景之内 粟津晴嵐|Clearing Weather at Awazu
冨嶽三十六景 相州江の島|Enoshima in Sagami Province (Sōshū Enoshima), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
近江八景之内 比良暮雪|Evening Snow on Hira, Lake Biwa