Naka Sector in the Yoshiwara

Medium:

Woodblock print

Format:

Oban

Source:

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Typical Price

Later reprint (Meiji–Taisho era publishers): $50–$400
Good later impression (Edo-period): $1,000–$5,000
Good early impression (vivid color, fine bokashi): $5,000–$20,000
Fine early impression (exceptional color and condition): $20,000–$60,000

Hiroshige produced an estimated 8,000 designs over his 40-year career, making him one of the most prolific masters of ukiyo-e. His market has strengthened significantly in recent years, with the 2025 Sotheby's Paris record of $2.4M and growing international collector interest.

Description

The Naka sector — the central avenue (Nakanoch) — of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter in Edo is depicted here with the characteristic architecture and street life of the licensed district. Wide, straight streets lined with latticed facades, courtesans visible through wooden grilles, and lanterns glowing at all hours defined the Yoshiwara's distinctive visual character. Hiroshige's view captures the quarter in daily operation rather than the theatrical festival scenes more common in popular prints.