Sunrise at Shibaura thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Sunrise at Shibaura

Woodblock Print
ca. 1845-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This spare but compelling uchiwa-e (rigid fan print) design by Hiroshige derives much of its effect from the ribmarks that radiate from its centre. As well as suggesting the rays of the sun as it rises over Edo Bay at dawn, they also draw the composition together into an integrated whole. It is as if the artist had anticipated the lines that would result from the print being mounted as a fan and had incorporated them into the design. The tripod structure in the centre of the print is an otomegui, a type of gauge by which sailors could judge the depth of the sea. They were a particular feature of the Shibaura coast, this view being taken from in front of, or near, the extensive area of reclaimed land on the eastern shore of Edo's Atagoshita district occupied by the Hama Detached Villa.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Sunrise at Shibaura (assigned by artist)
  • Famous Views in the Eastern Capital (series title)
Materials and techniques
Colour print from woodblocks
Brief description
Woodblock print, Utagawa Hiroshige I; 'Sunrise at Shibaura', from the series 'Famous Views in the Eastern Capital'; fan print, Japanese, ca. 1845-1850
Physical description
Fan print, aiban size. Artist signature: Hiroshige hitsu. Publisher mark: Enshuya Matabei.
Dimensions
  • Approx. height: 220mm
  • Approx. width: 290mm
Style
Credit line
Webb Bequest
Place depicted
Summary
This spare but compelling uchiwa-e (rigid fan print) design by Hiroshige derives much of its effect from the ribmarks that radiate from its centre. As well as suggesting the rays of the sun as it rises over Edo Bay at dawn, they also draw the composition together into an integrated whole. It is as if the artist had anticipated the lines that would result from the print being mounted as a fan and had incorporated them into the design. The tripod structure in the centre of the print is an otomegui, a type of gauge by which sailors could judge the depth of the sea. They were a particular feature of the Shibaura coast, this view being taken from in front of, or near, the extensive area of reclaimed land on the eastern shore of Edo's Atagoshita district occupied by the Hama Detached Villa.
Collection
Accession number
E.4862-1919

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Record createdMarch 12, 2003
Record URL
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