Woodblock print, 'The Noda Jewel River in Mutsu Province', from the series 'Six Jewel Rivers', by Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Edo (Tokyo), Japan, circa 1835.

Woodblock print. Chu-tanzaku format, nishiki-e (full-colour print). Figure in landscape.
Most ukiyo-e based on the theme of the six famous Tama rivers depict contemporary scenes. In this series, however, the scenes are quite faithful to the original poems or events. This print shows the Noda Tama River, which is also called the Chidori (Plovers) Tama River. A poem by the priest No-in is combined with a scene of a noble lady viewing the river from the bank.
Chu-tanzaku size. Signature: Hiroshige ga. Publisher: Kawaguchiya Shozo. Censorship seal: kiwame.

Purchased from S. M. Franck & Co., accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.

Hiroshige (1797-1858) is recognised as one of the great masters of the landscape print. Most designs on the theme of the six famous Tama rivers depict contemporary scenes. In this series, however, the scenes are quite faithful to the original poems or events. This print shows the Tama river in Noda, Mutsu province (modern Aomori Prefecture), also known as the 'Chidori' (Plovers) Tama river. The scene of a noble lady viewing the river from the bank is combined with a poem, inscribed at the top right, by the priest Noin.

E.3701-1886