HM004

True Pictures of Famous Places in Tokyo – Okawabata Ishihara-bashi (No. 94/130)

Original Artist:

Yasuji Inoue (also known as Yasuharu, 1864–1889)

Reproduction Artist:

Unknown

Type:

Reproduction – Hand-printed Woodblock Print
Technique: Kōsen-ga (Light and Shadow Pictures)

Period:

Showa Period (20th Century)

Size:

• Full Paper frame Size: 230 × 315 mm

• Image (Window Cut) Size: 90 × 150 mm

• Size print: 18cm W X 11.5cm L

Signature:

No reproduction artist signature

Condition:

Very good – no repairs or restoration

Featured Print: Okawabata Ishihara-bashi (No. 94/130)

This Meiji-era ukiyo-e print depicts the area surrounding Ishihara-bashi, a historical bridge once located near the current Eitai-bashi over the Sumida River in Tokyo. It is part of Yasuji Inoue’s iconic series True Pictures of Famous Places in Tokyo, known for blending traditional Japanese composition with Western-inspired realism.

In this piece, Inoue captures the serene riverside landscape using his signature Kōsen-ga technique—marked by atmospheric light effects and a strong sense of depth. The work is housed in the Tokyo Metropolitan Library's Ukiyo-e Collection, where detailed archival references remain accessible to the public.

About the Series: "True Pictures of Famous Places in Tokyo"

This celebrated series comprises over 130 woodblock prints that visually document Meiji-period Tokyo during a time of rapid modernization. It covers diverse areas like Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza, and the Sumida River, creating a richly emotional and historically valuable portrait of urban transformation. Each piece stands alone as a work of art while contributing to a broader visual record of Tokyo’s evolution.

About the Artist: Yasuji Inoue (1864–1889)

Born in Kawagoe, Saitama, Yasuji Inoue trained under the master Kiyochika Kobayashi and carried forward the innovative Kōsen-ga style. His work introduced dramatic depictions of light and shadow into Japanese printmaking, reflecting Western influences while maintaining the lyrical sensibility of traditional ukiyo-e.

Despite dying young at age 26, Inoue left behind an influential body of work that continues to be admired in Japan and internationally. His prints offer a compelling combination of artistic elegance and documentary value.