Sudden Shower Print Appraisal

Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese Woodblock Print: Sudden Shower over Nihonbashi Bridge

This item is a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print, attributed to the work of Utagawa Hiroshige, likely from the mid-19th century Edo period. The composition depicts a sudden rainstorm over the iconic Nihonbashi bridge with Mount Fuji looming in the background. Physically, the piece is printed on traditional washi paper, showcasing a muted color palette of indigos, grays, and earthy browns, which is characteristic of the landscape genre. The fine black lines representing the rain are a hallmark of the artist's atmospheric style. Notable features include the intricate rendering of figures with umbrellas crossing the wooden bridge and the architectural details of the surrounding storage houses (kura). The print shows visible signs of age including overall yellowing of the paper (toning), some fading of the lighter pigments, and a distinct horizontal crease or scratch across the upper third of the image. The artist's signature is visible in the upper left corner. The level of detail in the bridge's timber construction and the movement of the water indicate high-quality craftsmanship consistent with professional Edo-period woodcut production.