The Monkey Bridge in Winter

by Utagawa Hiroshige

Ukiyo-e

Landscapes Snow Scenes Bridges

Winter

Animals

Date:: Mid-19th century
Medium:: Woodblock print; hashira-e
Format:: Hashira-e
Source:: Art Institute of Chicago

Typical Price

Later reprint (Meiji–Taisho era publishers): $100–$600
Good later impression (Edo-period, muted whites): $2,000–$8,000
Good early impression (crisp bokashi, strong atmospheric effect): $8,000–$30,000
Fine early impression (exceptional tonal depth and condition): $30,000–$80,000

Hiroshige's snow scenes are among the most atmospheric in Japanese printmaking, using bokashi gradation to create luminous, quiet winter landscapes. His snow, moon, and flower triptychs are especially prized.

Description

The Monkey Bridge (Saruhashi) in Kai Province — a structure reportedly built without a single nail, suspended on branches like a monkey's path — spans a deep gorge on the Katsura River in winter. This [hashira-e](/glossary/hashira-e) (pillar print) format suits the dramatic vertical drop of the gorge, the bridge silhouetted against snow and the river far below. The Monkey Bridge was one of Japan's three celebrated natural bridges.