Hiroshige's One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: The Definitive Collector's Edition (Woodblock Prints)

A landmark book presenting the early deluxe versions of Hiroshige's Edo prints for the first time, featuring 118 locations captured during all four seasons and from unique perspectives. This is the first book to present a complete set of the deluxe early printings, sourced from 32 different museums and private collections. Author Andreas Marks consulted 4,700 prints to compile this definitive guide, discussing the series' genesis, the dynamics of the Japanese print market, and the complexity of Hiroshige's work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2024
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

A groundbreaking work that presents the early deluxe versions of Hiroshige's Edo prints for the first time, this landmark book is a must-have for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Utagawa Hiroshige's renowned landscape series, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), first published in the 1850s, is considered one of the most celebrated collections of Japanese prints and was revolutionary in its time. Individual prints from this collection are revered as some of the finest works in Japanese art history.

In this series, Hiroshige meticulously captures 118 locations in and around Edo, the present-day Tokyo, during all four seasons, often from previously unseen and unique perspectives. These views were initially printed in exquisite luxury versions, incorporating innovative woodblock printing techniques such as color gradation. Unfortunately, no complete set of the early versions of these prints exists today, making this book the first to present a comprehensive set of the deluxe early printings.

Author Andreas Marks consulted an astounding 4,700 prints to compile this definitive guide to Hiroshige's One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. Marks provides a detailed analysis of the various printed versions, alongside reference images that showcase how Hiroshige drew inspiration for each view from previous books and illustrations. The result is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of Hiroshige's great work and sheds light on the dynamics of the Japanese print market during this period.

The introduction by Andreas Marks discusses the genesis of the series within the context of Japanese landscape art and Hiroshige's personal biography. The book then presents all 118 prints, along with their source materials and a map that indicates the locations of each view. Following this, a detailed appendix discusses the significant color variations observed in subsequent printings of the series.

This remarkable book is a testament to Hiroshige's artistic brilliance and his contribution to the world of Japanese prints. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of this iconic series and the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply someone with an interest in Japanese art, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo by Utagawa Hiroshige is a must-have addition to your collection.

Weight: 1498g
Dimension: 216 x 287 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805317716