Page 177 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City

171 UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Awa Naruto no fukei (View of
the whirlpools at Naruto, Awa

province)

Woodblock prints, from an untitled series
of Snow, Moon, and Flowers (Settsugekka),
signed Hiroshige hitsuon the left sheet with
seal, date sealed Snake 4 (1857, 4th month),
published by Okazawaya Taheiji
Vertical oban triptych: 14 x 9Ω in. (35.6 x 24.1
cm.) (left sheet), 14 x 9√ in. (35.6 x 25.1 cm.)
middle and right sheet each approx. (3)

$30,000-40,000

The sweeping panoramic view of the whirlpools at
Naruto, depicting a distant view of the mountains
stretched to the horizon and the foams of the
famous whirlpool rapids at Naruto in foreground.
This masterpiece triptych is generally believed
to represent the ‘flower’ instalment of the artist’s
last series concerning snow, moon and flowers
(setsugekka), three acknowledged forms of natural
beauty. The other two in the series are Moon at
Kanazawa, and Mountain River on the Kiso Road.
For another impression, see Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston (21.7618-20).