This set of 20 prints from the sprawling Ehon Miyakodori (The Bird of the Capital) is credited as a critical turning point in master printer Hokusai’s early career. The throughline motif of the work is the capital bird, a type of gull eminent in Japanese poetry; this lot fittingly pairs delicate imagery with Kyoka verses. The prints serve as a lyrical visual journey along the Sumida River, detailing not just the landscape, but also daily vignettes of Edo Japan, including families arriving at the shrine, travelers parked onto ferry boats, and vendors working at the riverbank.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.