Sunrise over Sumida River

About this artwork

collector's mark, verso, stamped: Lugt 2973

Art Historical Context

**Sunrise over Sumida** (1797) by Katsushika Hokus captures the serene beauty of Edo-period Japan through a masterful ukiyo-e woodblock print. This nishikie, or "brocade picture," exemplifies the vibrant, multi-color printing technique that made Japanese prints so coveted worldwide. Measuring just 131mm high by 259mm wide—a compact hosoban format—it invites intimate contemplation, with a collector's mark (Lugt 2973) on the verso attesting to its esteemed provenance. Hokusai, a pioneering figure in ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), produced this early landscape during his formative years, before his iconic Mount Fuji series. The Sumida River, a vital artery of daily life in Edo (modern Tokyo), symbolized the city's bustling commerce and fleeting natural beauty, reflecting the era's fascination with ephemerality amid rapid urbanization. Artistically, the blindprinting (karazuri) adds subtle texture, enhancing the sunrise's glow without ink— a sophisticated innovation that highlights Hokusai's technical prowess. This print not only showcases evolving Japanese printmaking but also bridges traditional landscapes with the dynamic ukiyo-e style, offering visitors a window into 18th-century Japan's harmonious blend of nature and human endeavor.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai · 1760–1849

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as one of history's most influential artists, a Japanese master who revolutionized the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and profoundly shaped Western art. Born in the Katsushika district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to an artisan family, Hokusai lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary creative evolution, adopting over thirty different artistic names t...