Horikiri Iris Garden (Horikiri no hanashôbu), from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
(Japanese, 1797–1858)
Uoya Eikichi
(Japanese)
1857 (Ansei 4), intercalary 5th month
Medium/TechniqueWoodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
DimensionsVertical ôban; 33.8 x 22.2cm (13 5/16 x 8 3/4in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.16827
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPrints
Collections
Hiroshige’s final masterpiece, the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, is known for its extensive use of unusual viewpoints contrasting foreground and background. In this design the artist transports us to the public garden at Horikiri, said to have the most beautiful irises in the city. The flowers are seen from the viewpoint of a visitor who kneels down to examine them at close range, while looking through them toward the extensive park being enjoyed by other visitors.
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1848–49 (Kaei 1–2)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
1857 (Ansei 4), 4th month
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1839–42 (Tenpô 10–13)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
1856 (Ansei 3), 9th month
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1839–42 (Tenpô 10–13)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1832–34 (Tenpô 3–5)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1845–46 (Kôka 2–3)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1835–38 (Tenpô 6–9)
Utagawa Hiroshige I
1847–52 (Kôka 4–Kaei 5)