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
One of a triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Sheet: 38.4 x 25.8 cm (15 1/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore 1930.183.b
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 vertically oriented woodblock print depicts a seascape where undulating blue and gray spirals convey churning whirlpools. A rocky cliff with reddish-brown and blue tones juts from the left, topped by small pine trees. Tiered gray mountains stretch across the horizon beneath a pale sky with a deep blue upper band. Tiny black dashes portray birds in flight, while circular seals mark the right corners.

The Whirlpools of Awa

1857

Utagawa Hiroshige

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

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