Details

The full moon is at its height in the autumn sky, with wispy plumes of smoke-like clouds caressing its cool, diffused light. Below, Hiroshige presents Asakusa's entertainment district, which hosts theaters and teahouses. The shops are tightly aligned, creating a confined space that separates this land of fantasy from the mundane life beyond its gate. The figures appear hesitant to trek back to the district’s sole entrance/exit at the far center. Shadows cast by the departing revelers seem to possess a life separate from the figures that cast them, adding to the magical quality of this world within a world.

It is interesting to note how Hiroshige incorporated the signature, title, and series cartouches within the design. All these components appear to be illuminated signs affected by the architecture of this fantasy world.

Connoisseur's Note

This work is a relatively early printing, displaying subtle coloration and a beautifully printed woodgrain pattern in the sky (only visible on earlier impressions). Subtle printing effects, such as the wispy clouds in the sky, purple bokashi at the far center, subtle coloration in the lanterns, and strong black keyblock outlines, further demonstrate this impression's earlier state.