The term “flowers of Edo” (Edo no hana) can refer, among other things, to fires. The title panel for each print in this series shows the lanterns and identifying standard (matoi) for one of the brigades of firefighters (hikeshi) assigned to various districts. On the west side of the Sumida...
Signed
Toyokuni ga, in toshidama cartouche (bottom right); Hiroshige hitsu (bottom left) 豊国画(年玉枠)、広重筆
Marks
Censor's seal: Rat 2 aratame Blockcutter's mark: Katada Hori Chô
Provenance
By 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005) NOTES: [1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Japanese, Edo period, 1864 (Bunkyû 4/Genji 1), 2nd month
- Artist Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), Japanese, 1786–1864
- Other artist Utagawa Hiroshige II (Shigenobu), Japanese, 1826–1869
- Publisher Katôya Iwazô (Seibei), Japanese
- Blockcutter Katada Chôjirô (Hori Chô), Japanese
Dimensions
Vertical ôban; 36.4 x 24.8 cm (14 5/16 x 9 3/4 in.)
Accession Number
11.42520
Medium or Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper