Artwork
東海道五十三次 由井|Yui
東海道五十三次 由井|Yui is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- JP767
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, titled 'Yui', is part of Utagawa Hiroshige's series 'The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō', created around 1840. It is a serene depiction of a rocky coastline, rendered in ink and color on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a tranquil scene at Yui, a post station along the historic Tōkaidō road, showcasing natural and cultural landmarks. Figures walking along the shore, some with umbrellas, add a sense of human presence to the landscape.
Technique & Style
Hiroshige's use of soft, blended colors in the sky and deep blues in the water creates a peaceful atmosphere. The composition balances the natural scenery with the presence of people and a building, highlighting the artist's skill in capturing the interplay between landscape and human activity.
History & Provenance
The print is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifying Hiroshige's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition, particularly in his innovative focus on landscapes and the Tōkaidō route.
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.
