歌川広重画 「名所江戸百景 深川洲崎十万坪」|“Jūmantsubo Plain at Fukagawa Susaki,” from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo by Utagawa Hiroshige

歌川広重画 「名所江戸百景 深川洲崎十万坪」|“Jūmantsubo Plain at Fukagawa Susaki,” from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

Utagawa Hiroshige · 1856

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“This print is a powerful example of how a single, dramatic element (a soaring eagle) can transform a vast, empty landscape into an intimate and awe-inspiring scene.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A lone eagle dominates the sky in this dramatic woodblock print, its massive wingspan nearly filling the upper left corner. Below, a vast, snow-covered plain stretches out, empty save for a few distant, silhouetted figures. This striking composition, part of the "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" series, plays with perspective, bringing the bird so close it feels as if it's soaring directly over the viewer's head. The stark white of the snow contrasts sharply with the deep blue of the water and the muted tones of the distant land, creating a powerful sense of isolation and the raw beauty of winter. The artist, Utagawa Hiroshige, frequently used such large-scale foreground elements in this series, a technique that adds depth and immediate impact to the scene.

DETAILS
Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige
Date
1856
Medium
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; vertical ōban
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Oban 14 1/16 x 9 1/2 in. (35.7 x 24.1 cm)
ART MOVEMENTS
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歌川広重画 「名所江戸百景 深川洲崎十万坪」|“Jūmantsubo Plain at Fukagawa Susaki,” from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

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01

The plunging eagle

The huge eagle dives head first toward the snowy plain, so close that it fills the top of the sheet and makes the land below look tiny.

1 of 5 on the painting
02

Fierce face

The pale, shaggy head ends in a hooked beak and a dark patch around the eye. Seen head on and upside down, it is the strongest focal point of the print, and the bird seems to stare down at the land.

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03

Gripping talons

At the upper left, a foot with curled black claws reaches into the frame. The bird seems to burst in from outside the picture.

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04

Tiny white mountain

A small snowy peak sits on the far horizon, below the eagle's head. It stretches the sense of distance and makes the bird feel enormous.

4 of 5 on the painting
05

Blue gradation

A deep indigo band at the bottom fades up into pale water, and the sky fades from dark to light. The soft transitions were printed in the blocks.

5 of 5 on the painting
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THE ARTIST

Utagawa Hiroshige

1797–1858 · Japan

Utagawa Hiroshige, the last great master of ukiyo-e, transformed landscape printmaking with his poetic scenes of Edo Japan and vibrant use of color gradation.

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Hear 歌川広重画 「名所江戸百景 深川洲崎十万坪」|“Jūmantsub…’s storyFree in the Art Whisper app Open