Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki, from the series Famous Places in Edo
A hand-painted replica of Andō Hiroshige’s masterpiece Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki, from the series Famous Places in Edo, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki, from the series Famous Places in Edo" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist Andō Hiroshige (1797–1858). This artwork is part of Hiroshige's celebrated series titled Famous Places in Edo (Edo Meisho), which depicts various notable locations in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603–1868). Hiroshige is widely recognized for his mastery in landscape prints and his ability to capture the beauty of everyday life and natural scenery.
The print portrays a scene at Susaki, a coastal area near Edo, where people are engaged in gathering shellfish during low tide. Shellfish gathering was a common activity in Japan during the Edo period, both as a means of livelihood and as a recreational pastime. The composition highlights the tidal flats, with figures bent over as they search for shellfish, creating a sense of movement and daily life. In the background, the viewer can observe the serene waters and distant landscapes, which are characteristic of Hiroshige's ability to blend human activity with natural surroundings.
Hiroshige's use of color and perspective in this print exemplifies the ukiyo-e tradition. The gradation of blues in the water and sky, a technique known as bokashi, adds depth and atmosphere to the scene. The figures are depicted in a simplified yet expressive manner, emphasizing their actions rather than individual details. This approach aligns with the ukiyo-e style, which often focused on capturing the essence of a moment rather than precise realism.
The Famous Places in Edo series was created during a time when Edo was flourishing as the political and cultural center of Japan. Hiroshige's works in this series not only served as artistic representations of the city's landscapes but also as a form of visual documentation, offering insights into the daily lives and environments of Edo's inhabitants. His prints were highly popular during his lifetime and remain significant examples of Japanese art, influencing both Japanese and Western artists.
As with many of Hiroshige's works, "Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki" reflects the artist's keen observation of nature and human activity, as well as his skill in creating harmonious compositions. This print continues to be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and its role in preserving the cultural and historical context of Edo-period Japan.
