Kites of Fukuroi and Distant View of Akiba in Totomi Province (Enshu Akiba enkei Fukuroi tako), from the series "One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces (Shokoku meisho hyakkei)"

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant tradition of ukiyo-e woodblock prints *Kites of Fukuroi and D View of Akiba in Totomi Province* (1859) showcases the masterful landscape style of Utagawa Hiroige II (Shigen), a devoted pupil of the legendary Hiroshige I. of the series *One Hundred Famous Views in Various Provinces (Shokoku meisho hyakkei)*, oban-sized color woodblock print (36.3 × 24.6 cm) captures a lively scene in Totomi Provincemodern-day Shizuoka Prefecture). Soaring kites dot the sky above the post town of Fukuroi, while the majestic, mist-shrouded Mount Akiba looms in the distance, blending everyday festivity with awe-inspiring nature. Hiroshige II's technique exemplifies the precision of woodblock printing: artisans carved separate blocks for each color, layering vibrant blues, greens, and reds to evoke atmospheric depth and seasonal freshness. This meisho-e (famous places) genre celebrated Japan's provincial beauty during the late Edo period, just before the Meiji Restoration upended traditional arts. The playful kites—likely from a local spring festival—add a human touch, contrasting the serene mountain vista and highlighting Hiroshige II's skill in dynamic composition. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print reflects ukiyo-e's cultural role in democratizing art through affordable multiples, inspiring global artists like Van Gogh and Whistler. A delightful window into 19th-century Japan, it invites us to soar with those kites over timeless landscapes.

About the Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige II (Shigenobu) · 1826–1869

Utagawa Hiroshige II, born Suzuki Chinpei in 1826, was one of the most accomplished ukiyo-e artists of mid-nineteenth century Japan. He entered the studio of the celebrated landscape master Utagawa Hiroshige I — known for his iconic series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" — and proved himself the most talented of the elder artist's few students. So highly regarded was the young pupil that...