Kasumigaseki

Japanese Print Description

HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Kasumigaseki
Signed:  Hiroshige ga
Series:Toto Meisho
Publishers Mark:  Sanoki
c 1840

Hiroshige shows us the view of Edo Bay from the top of Kasumigaseki hill, facing away from Fuji.

Kasumigaseki (misty barrier) was the name of the area of Edo very close to the castle.  Even before the Edo period a road leading north was built going over Kasumigaseki hill, so named because a gate (seki) was built there. Then, as now, it was a very fashionable place. There were fabulous views and the road was lined with mansions of feudal lords.

Kites are flying in the background, and pine trees are placed on the right, a new years tradition.

There is an alternate version of this print without the kites and pine trees, but with someone blowing bubbles and other different people, likely to indicate a warmer time of year. Hiroshige would later reuse many elements from this edition of the print for his version of Kasumigaseki in 100 Famous Views of Edo almost two decades later.