Page 139 - September 21 2021 Important Japanese Art Christie's NYC

188 UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) 189 UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Hakkeizaka Yoroikakematsu Oji shozoku enoki omisoka In the evening of New Year's Eve, foxes with flame-like
phosphorescence gather under a hackberry tree in a gathering
(The Armor-hanging Pine at no kitsunebi (New Year's Eve called Shozoku enoki near Oji Inari (Fox) Shrine in Edo. After
Hakkeizaka) foxfires at nettle tree, Oji) purifying themselves under this tree, foxes visit Oji Inari Shrine to
receive the divine message for the New Year’s Day. This is the sole
Woodblock print, from the series Meisho Edo Woodblock print, from the series Meisho Edo work depicting a fantastical subject from this series. In this print,
hyakkei (One hundred famous views of Edo), hyakkei (One hundred famous views of Edo), Hiroshige intentionally outlined the foxes on the ground sharply
and precisely while other elements are treated indistinctly in the
signed Hiroshige ga, published by Uoya Eikichi, signed Hiroshige ga, published by Uoya Eikichi,
dark of night which emphasizes the fantastical atmosphere of this
5th month 1856 9th month 1857
work.
Vertical oban: 14√ x 10 in. (37.5 x 25.4 cm.) Vertical oban: 14¿ x 9Ω in. (35.9 x 24.1 cm.)
$6,000-8,000 $15,000-20,000