Artwork Page for The Whirlpools of Awa

Details / Information for The Whirlpools of Awa

The Whirlpools of Awa

1857

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川 広重

(Japanese, 1797–1858)
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Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
Triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Overall: 38.4 x 25.8 cm (15 1/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore 1930.183
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Late in his career, Hiroshige explored the poetic theme of setsugekka, “snow, moon, and flowers,” in a set of three triptychs. The swirling whirlpools at Awa would remind the viewer of flowers.
A color woodblock print triptych in muted blues and browns depicts a panoramic seascape with turbulent water. Stylized, spiraling lines form circular whirlpools and white-capped waves churning around rocky islands topped with pine trees. Behind the water, a mountain range stretches across the horizon under a pale sky. Japanese calligraphy in a red cartouche features in the upper right, with black script and a red seal on the left (see "Inscriptions").

The Whirlpools of Awa

1857

Utagawa Hiroshige

(Japanese, 1797–1858)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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