The Great Harbor in London, England (Egirisu, Rondon taiko)

Art Historical Context

Step into the bustling world of 19th-century London through the eyes of Utagawashige II (Shigenobu), a master of Japan's ukiyo-e tradition. This vibrant 1862 color woodblock print, titledThe Great Harbor in London, England* (Egirisu, Rondon taiko), captures the expansive docks teeming with ships, workers, and the smoky energy of Victorian England. Hiroshige II, who succeeded his famous mentor Utagawa Hirosh I, was renowned for his evocative landscapes, blending delicate lines with atmospheric depth to evoke mood and movement. Created as an oban triptych—three large panels that unfold into a panoramic vista—this print exemplifies the technical brilliance of woodblock printing. Intricate carving and multiple color blocks produce vivid blues of the Thames, billowing sails, and tiny human figures, showcasing ukiyo-e's ability to compress grand scale into intimate art. Produced during Japan's Bakumatsu era, amid growing Western influence post-Perry Expedition, it reflects Yokohama-e prints: exotic depictions of foreign lands fueled by curiosity and trade. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this rare work bridges Eastern artistry with global horizons, inviting us to ponder cultural exchanges that reshaped Japan on the cusp of the Meiji Restoration. A window to a world both distant and connected. (198 words)

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...