"Suruga-cho," by Utagawa Andō Hiroshige (1856)
DIMENSIONS
• 9" x 12" (Image: 7.13" x 10.5")
• 12" x 16" (Image: 9.5" x 14")
• 16" x 20" (Image: 11.56" x 17")
• 20" x 30" (Image: 16" x 23.5")
• 24" x 36" (Image: 19" x 28")
Archival Inkjet on Fine Art Paper
Smooth Surface - Matte Finish - Inset Borders
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
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Utagawa (also called Andō) Hiroshige is recognized as one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition. Literally, "pictures of the floating world," ukiyo-e had largely emphasized erotic and pop cultural subjects, such as beautiful women, kabuki actors, and scenes from history and folk tales, but Hiroshige—following Hokusai—chose to specialize in landscapes and travel series which dovetailed with the rising popularity of tourism in Edo Japan. It is estimated that he created more than 5,000 prints during his lifetime and each is a visual poem unto itself.
"Suruga-cho" is one of his final series, "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," which he began on retiring from the world to become a Buddhist monk in 1856. It was published in serial from 1856-1859, with Hiroshige II completing the series after his death in 1858.
"What distinguishes Hiroshige's design in this print," observes the Brooklyn Museum, "is its resolute symmetry, softened only by the irregular stylized cloud forms traditionally used in Japanese paintings to separate scenes in pictorial narratives. Here this compositional device focuses attention on Mount Fuji above and the urban bustle below in the street called Suruga-chō. Included in this scene is Japan's premier store, Echigoya, presently Mitsukoshi Department Store, still the most venerable of all the great merchandisers of Tokyo. It is identified by its crest, a circle around the characters for 'three' and 'well,' which together read 'Mitsui.'"
ART-CENTRIC DESIGN
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Vintage art is not standardized. The original works are usually too long, or too short, to neatly fill a store-bought frame. Most shops arbitrarily crop the artwork to match, leading to claustrophobic prints with missing or partial elements. These modifications — sometimes trivial, sometimes ludicrous — are not always shown in the product photos.
We believe that the purpose of art is not to fill a frame; it is the purpose of a frame to showcase the art.
Our prints have inset borders that make up any differences in proportion between the artwork and a standard frame, so that you can experience the art as the artist intended. They look sharp in beveled mats, may be float mounted, or inserted directly into standard frames; the borders providing a mat-like accent around the image. There are many styles from which to choose.
Framing is a fun, creative process that enhances the artwork and livens your space for years to come. Should you like any advice, feel free to reach out.
CUSTOMIZATION AND IMAGE REQUESTS
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We are happy to customize our prints to fit your frame. Borderless prints may require the artwork to be cropped to fit a new aspect ratio. In such cases, we will provide a mockup to ensure that the final product meets with your approval.
If you’re looking for an artwork that is not in our catalog, feel free to ask if we can provide it. We will print any public domain or openly licensed image that is available in high resolution.
MUSEUM QUALITY
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Giclée process prints are the gold standard in fine art reproduction. We use a matte finish, cotton fiber paper to maximize detail while eliminating glare. Our prints display a wide color gamut, deep blacks and beautiful tonal transitions. Produced using only archival materials, they will not fade or yellow, but maintain their original quality for as long as you own them.
HANDMADE DECLARATION
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To assure artistic quality, all of our production and design is strictly in-house. Every print has been proofed, calibrated and inspected for defects. We do not drop ship, resell or make use of third-party production partners.
SHIPPING AND PACKAGING
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All orders ship within one business day via USPS First Class, Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. Sizes 9” x 12” and 12” x 16” ship in a flat configuration, unless combined with larger prints, which require tubes. We will replace any lost or damaged items at no expense to you.
HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
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We will promptly address any issues that may arise with your order. If you are unhappy with your print for any reason, you are welcome to return it for a full refund.
