Artist: Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige (歌川広重) Title: Passage Through Hakone Size: approx. 23 × 32 cm Publisher: Takamizawa Reprint year: 1970s Original: ca. 1835–1838 Takamizawa was second only to Adachi Hanga in terms of quality, and their works were also aimed at museums. Anyone holding one of their prints immediately understands why: deep Prussian blue, flowing bokashi gradations in the sky and water, and the finest linework make Hiroshige’s landscapes glow. Each sheet was traditionally hand-printed — using perfectly aligned woodblocks and coloring that comes remarkably close to the originals. The print also comes with its **original washi folder**, including an acid-free protective sheet to preserve the colors, as well as an **English and Japanese note** providing details about the artwork. Abou the work A lovely and rare scene. Passage through the mountains of Hakone once was the toughest part of travel on the old Tokaido Highway. The graveled paths were so steep and narrow that few people dareid to pass them at night except in times of great urgency. Hiroshige highlighted this fan-shaped picture with burning torches carried by a party of men hurrying in the dark. Ukiyoye woodcut prints used, instead of vermilion, minium (red lead) for red color, which turned darkish with the lapse of time. Hence the exquisite tone of the torch flames. This Hiroshige piece belonged in a serial titled "Famous Sites in Various Provinces", though none of its companion landscapes has been discovered. The original is owned by the Chicago Museum of Art.