Hiroshige's Narumi
Title: Narumi
Artist: Ando Hiroshige (active ca. 1790-1823)
Series: The 53 Stations of the Tokaido (Kyoka series - each print has a comic poem or Kyoka)
Signature: Hiroshige ga
Dated: originally in Edo period (late 1830's), this is a re-carved edition in 1920's
Format: Chuban yoko-e
Width: 24.5 cm
Height: 18.5 cm
Narumi was celebrated for its Shibori tie-dyeing industry, a detail Hiroshige often integrated into his depictions of the town’s bustling shops. This high-quality re-carved edition from the early 20th century brings out the intricate details of the village architecture and the lively travellers. Hiroshige’s prints were the "travel guides" of their day, allowing those who couldn't travel to experience the sights of Japan from their homes. Today, they remain a beloved window into the history and culture of the Edo period.
