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.c
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 spiraling lines form whirlpools in blue-gray water. On the lower right, a rocky islet topped with dark, spindly pine trees rises from white-capped waves. In the distance, tiny boat silhouettes sail along a pale horizon beneath mountains and a sky with a dark blue top band. A red vertical cartouche with calligraphy sits in the upper right corner with small seals nearby.

The Whirlpools of Awa

1857

Utagawa Hiroshige

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

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