1837–38
Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, 1797-1858
Japan
This design, like a number of others by Utagawa Hiroshige, is known in other versions: one printed entirely in grayish tints (as here), and one printed in a range of soft greens and browns. Normally, prints produced with a monochromatic palette are thought to have been made earlier than more colorful versions. However, a close examination of this sheet alongside others with the color scheme described above indicates that the monochromatic version of the design is probably later than the state with more color.
Color woodblock print; ōban