Artwork
五十三次名所図会 鳴海 名產有松しぼり店|Narumi, Meisan Arimatsu Shibori Mise
五十三次名所図会 鳴海 名產有松しぼり店|Narumi, Meisan Arimatsu Shibori Mise is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 7 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Narumi, Meisan Arimatsu Shibori Mise is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, part of his Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series. It captures a serene scene in Narumi, showcasing a shibori textile shop and everyday life along the Tōkaidō road.
Subject & Meaning
The print highlights a shibori (tie-dye) shop, emphasizing local customs and regional specialties along the Tōkaidō. The depiction of daily life and traditional craft reflects Hiroshige's focus on rural landscapes and cultural practices.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink and color on paper, the print features Hiroshige's characteristic soft color palette and gentle composition. A prominent tree and hanging shibori fabrics create visual balance, while subtle human figures convey a sense of quiet activity.
History & Provenance
Created during the Edo period, this work is part of Hiroshige's renowned series exploring the Tōkaidō route. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
As an ukiyo-e artist, Hiroshige departed from the genre's typical urban themes by focusing on rural landscapes and local industries, as seen in this print's portrayal of Narumi's shibori tradition.
Legacy
This print contributes to Hiroshige's legacy of capturing Japan's pre-modern landscapes and customs. Its serene and detailed depiction of rural life has appealed to audiences seeking glimpses of traditional Japanese culture.
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.
