The Kiso Mountains in Snow
This landscape was executed by Hiroshige just one year before his death as part of a set of three triptychs on the theme known as setsugetsuka (a compound term made up of the words for snow, moon, and flowers). Snow is the theme here; the moon and flowers are depicted in the other two triptychs.
The immense snow-covered mountains at the center, flanked by bridges on both sides, are almost spiritual in their monumentality. The dramatic composition invites the viewer to step into a mysterious world beyond the massive white peaks.
The immense snow-covered mountains at the center, flanked by bridges on both sides, are almost spiritual in their monumentality. The dramatic composition invites the viewer to step into a mysterious world beyond the massive white peaks.
Artwork Details
- Kisojo no San Sen
- 木曽路之山川
- Title: The Kiso Mountains in Snow
- Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1797–1858 Tokyo (Edo))
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: dated 8th month of the Snake year, 1857
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Each H. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm); W. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
- Object Number: JP66
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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