Irises at Kinegawa

Catalog note / 解説

This <i>uchiwa-e</i> (rigid fan print) design by Hiroshige uses a rich palette of blues, greens, yellows and purples in its depiction of women. The clothes and hairstyles identify these women as <i>goten jochu</i> or servants from a samurai (aristocratic military class) household, viewing the irises for which Kinegawa was famous. Kinegawa was located in north-east Edo in the central eastern part of the Mukojima district, a swampy area that was ideal for the cultivation of bog plants. The low-lying nature of the land is skilfully suggested by the tiny figures and farmhouse on the left that drop out of view behind the yellow horizon. Materials: Colour print from woodblocks