Hiroshige II (1826—1869) was the student and son-in-law of Ando Hiroshige, the undisputed master of the woodblock print. Recognized as his most talented pupil, young Hiroshige was originally called Suzuki Chimpei, and like Hiroshige senior, was born into the family of fire-watchmen. He embarked upon an artistic career early in life, joined his mentor’s workshop, and was adopted by him in 1845. When the elder Hiroshige died in 1858, his industrious student took over the studio and formally assumed his master’s name. He also continued the landscape genre favored by his master. Viewing the springtime blossoms, a beloved pastime in Japan, was a subject matter that Hiroshige II charmingly captured in a number of his colored woodcuts.
16 note cards and envelopes, 4 each of 4 images: Ipomea Viewing; Wisteria Bridge; Tree Paeonia Viewing; Camellia Viewing.
