Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake, from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
A hand-painted replica of Andō Hiroshige’s masterpiece Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake, from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake" is a renowned woodblock print by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Andō Hiroshige. It is part of his celebrated series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" (Meisho Yedo Hiakkei), which was published between 1856 and 1858 during the late Edo period. This series is considered one of Hiroshige's masterpieces and showcases various scenes of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), capturing the beauty and essence of the city through different seasons and weather conditions.
The print "Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake" (大はしあたけの夕立, Ōhashi Atake no Yūdachi) depicts a sudden rainstorm over the Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and the nearby Atake area. The scene is characterized by its dynamic composition and the dramatic portrayal of the rain. Hiroshige masterfully uses diagonal lines to represent the heavy rain, creating a sense of movement and urgency. The bridge, spanning the Sumida River, is populated with figures hurrying to find shelter from the downpour. Some are seen with umbrellas, while others are bent forward, bracing against the rain.
The background features the Atake area, with boats visible on the river, adding to the sense of daily life disrupted by the sudden shower. The contrast between the dark, rain-filled sky and the lighter tones of the bridge and river enhances the dramatic effect of the scene. Hiroshige's use of color and perspective draws the viewer's eye across the composition, emphasizing the natural beauty and the human experience within the landscape.
Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" series, including this particular print, was produced using the traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing technique. This involved carving the image into wooden blocks, inking them, and pressing them onto paper. Each color required a separate block, and the prints were often created in collaboration with skilled carvers and printers. The series was published by Uoya Eikichi, a well-known publisher of the time.
"Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake" has been highly regarded for its artistic and historical significance. It provides a glimpse into the daily life and environment of Edo during the 19th century, capturing a moment of natural beauty and human activity. The print has influenced many artists, including Western impressionists such as Vincent van Gogh, who admired Hiroshige's work for its composition and use of color.
Today, "Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake" is held in various museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London. It continues to be celebrated as a quintessential example of Hiroshige's ability to convey the transient beauty of nature and the vibrancy of urban life through his art.
