Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

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The Benten Shrine, Inokashira Pond in a snowstorm, Inokashira no ike Benzaiten no yashiro no kei. One of a set Meisho setsu gekka, “Famous Places: Snow, Moon and Flowers.” ( The other two are Flowering Cherries at Kogamei and Autumn Moon at Takanawa. ) A fine and rare snow scene, this being the hard to get first edition with publisher’s seal Riuya Zenbei (?) left centre bottom. A later edition altered the seal to circular and moved it to the right border. An even later reissue was published by Marujin, his and the censor seal being in the left margin. This state had the sky block recut with heavy snowflakes and completely ruins the design. For this state see Japanese Prints & Drawings From The Vever Collection, Jack Hillier, Sothebys, 1976, no. 926, p. 950. Also Tamba, no. 223 ( later edition ) and Suzuki, no. 146 ( first edition ). Ex collection Walter von Scheven, 1878 – 1950, and purchased by him from R. Wagner, Berlin in 1921.

Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold