Eight Views of Omi: Evening Snow at Hira

Maker(s)
Artist: Katsukawa Shuntei (1770-1820)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1810s
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 19 x 26.5 cm (7 1/2 x 10 7/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.207
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Anne van Biema collection, chuban, Edo period (1615 - 1868), evening, Japan, ocean, snow, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Shuntei's Eight Views of Omi (Omi hakkei) was one of several series of this subject published in the 1810s and 1820s that was rendered in a European-influenced style. This print has only the title of the series inscribed at the top center, a position typical in a Western print, but unusual in Japanese designs. With no Japanese poem inscribed - as would be usual in illustrations of a subject inspired by Chinese poetry and paintings of the Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers (Xiao-Xiang bajing) - the composition has the appearance of a pure landscape. European methods for rendering form and perspective can be seen in the thick clouds spreading into the distance and in the dark shading of landforms. The blank margin at left suggests that this print might have been attached in sequence with other prints of the series to form a handscroll.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 117, pp. 288-289.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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