UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE - Whirlpool At Naruto, Awa Province

THE ARTWORK

"Whirlpool at Naruto, Awa Province" is one of Utagawa Hiroshige's most striking prints, part of his renowned series "Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces," created in the early 1850s. This dynamic image captures the powerful whirlpools of Naruto Strait, a narrow channel between Awaji Island and Shikoku in Japan. These whirlpools, caused by the rapid tidal currents, are among the largest in the world and have long fascinated viewers.

Hiroshige’s composition emphasizes the turbulent nature of the water, using bold, swirling lines to depict the whirlpool's rotation. The print's perspective is dramatic, with the viewer looking down into the churning water, evoking a sense of awe at nature's raw power. The sea foam is rendered in delicate detail, contrasting with the deep blues and greens of the water.

In the background, Hiroshige includes a distant view of the coastlines, adding depth and balance to the composition. The image is not only a testament to Hiroshige’s mastery of landscape but also reflects the Edo period's growing interest in travel and natural wonders. "Whirlpool at Naruto" remains one of Hiroshige’s most memorable works, celebrated for its dynamic energy and intricate design.

THE ARTIST

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a towering figure in Japanese woodblock printing, alongside his well-known counterpart Hokusai. While Hokusai captured drama and movement, Hiroshige's true passion was landscapes. He used innovative compositions and atmospheric effects to showcase the beauty of everyday life in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and the journeys along famous travel routes.

His most celebrated series, "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," is a testament to his skill. These prints captivated audiences with their serene beauty and bustling activity, showcasing iconic locations in Edo and surrounding areas. Hiroshige wasn't just a documentarian; he was a master of observation. He used subtle color variations and clever perspective tricks to create depth and capture the changing moods and seasons of the landscapes he depicted.

Hiroshige's influence extended beyond Japan. By incorporating some Western artistic elements, like deep perspective, into his prints, he unknowingly contributed to the "Japonisme" movement that would later influence European artists in the late 19th century, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit