Artwork preview

Shimadai and Ainame Fish, from the series Uozukushi (Every Variety of Fish)

Utagawa Hiroshige

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two fish are depicted, one large and one small. The large fish is positioned on top, facing right, with its mouth open. It has a dark gray back and sides with lighter gray scales on its belly. The smaller fish faces left and has a similar coloration. The large fish has a distinctive appearance with darker stripes running horizontally across its back and sides. Both fish have detailed fins and scales. Behind the fish, there are some blue leaves and branches. The background of the image features a gradient that transitions from light beige at the top to light blue at the bottom. There are several lines of Japanese text written vertically on the left side of the image and a red seal on the right side.

Artwork Details

Date
1840s
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 419 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette