Sudden Shower Over Shin Ohashi Bridge And Atake Appraisal

Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake by Utagawa Hiroshige

This is a framed Ukiyo-e woodblock print from the renowned series 'One Hundred Famous Views of Edo' (Meisho Edo Hyakkei), originally designed by the Japanese master Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858). The scene depicts pedestrians caught in a seasonal downpour as they cross the Shin-Ohashi Bridge over the Sumida River toward the Atake bank. The print showcases Hiroshige's mastery of atmosphere, utilizing fine vertical lines to represent rainfall and a sophisticated gradation (bokashi) in the sky and water. The composition is notable for its dramatic perspective, looking down and across the wooden bridge. The palette features deep indigos, greys, and warm earth tones in the wood. The print includes the characteristic red cartouches containing the series title and the specific print title, as well as the artist's signature 'Hiroshige ga.' The item is hosed in a simple dark wood frame with a neutral mat, and a handwritten identification label is taped to the bottom margin. There are visible condition issues including significant yellowing and foxing on the mat board, tape residue, and possible light fading to the pigments of the print. Without physical inspection, it is difficult to determine if this is a mid-19th-century original or a later high-quality woodblock reproduction from the Meiji or Taisho periods, though the style of the framing suggests a 20th-century preservation attempt.