Based on Utagawa Hiroshige – Ise Lobster and Shrimp – Yūyūdō reissue

An imposing lobster displays its long antennae in a remarkably elegant composition, while two small shrimp appear to float beside it. Against a delicately gradient background, shifting from coral pink to the blue of the water, the precision of the drawing contrasts with the almost abstract simplicity of the scene.
This print reproduces a famous composition by Utagawa Hiroshige, titled "Ise Lobster and Shiba Shrimp" (Ise-ebi, Shiba-ebi), from the series "Uo-zukushi" (Fish), created around 1832-1833, during the Tenpō era. Less well-known than his large landscapes, this series reveals another facet of Hiroshige's talent: his meticulous observation of the natural world, combined with an exceptional decorative sensibility. The details of the carapace, the delicacy of the antennae, and the delicate silhouettes of the shrimp all testify to this mastery of drawing. The kyōka poems, calligraphed in the upper section, complete the composition by combining poetry and depictions of nature, a tradition particularly cherished in Edo-period Japan.

About this edition

This copy is a Japanese woodblock print reprint published by Yūyūdō (悠々洞出版), a publishing house renowned for the meticulous care it takes with its reprints of works by the great masters of ukiyo-e. Highly prized by collectors of Japanese prints, Yūyūdō editions are distinguished by the finesse of their engraving, the precision of their printing, and their adherence to traditional techniques, allowing the full richness of the original compositions to be appreciated.
The copy presented here exemplifies this expertise through the freshness of its colors and the delicacy of its printing. The lobster's brown hues, the meticulous details of its shell, and the subtle color gradations (bokashi) of the background all attest to the care taken in its creation. Slight relief effects, reminiscent of the dry embossing technique (karazuri), are also visible in certain lighter areas of the composition, lending a delicate texture to the paper. The generous white margins emphasize the balance and elegance of this exceptionally well-preserved print.

Artist: After Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)
Title: Ise Lobster and Shiba Shrimp
Japanese Title: 伊勢海老・芝蝦 (Ise-ebi, Shiba-ebi)
Series: Uo-zukushi (Fish)
Technique: Japanese woodblock print
Publisher of this edition: Yūyūdō (悠々洞出版)
Period: Shōwa Era
Format: Horizontal Ōban
Dimensions: Traditional format, approximately 25 × 37 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, vibrant colors, crisp printing, and preserved margins.

Origin: Japan

About the artist
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is one of the greatest masters of ukiyo-e. Famous for his poetic landscapes, he also excelled in depictions of flowers, birds, and marine animals. His art is distinguished by the delicacy of his lines, the subtlety of his colors, and a remarkable sense of composition. His prints profoundly influenced 19th-century Western artists, particularly the Impressionists.

A pair is available with the following print:
Utagawa Hiroshige – after Assorted Fish: Sea Bream and Sansho Branches
https://www.antikeo.com/catalogue/art-graphique/gravures-estampes/utagawa-hiroshige-poissons-varies-daurade-et-rameaux-de-sansho-148872

Ref: 1T732D0ANP