Variations in Hiroshige’s Print “The Plum Garden at Kameido”

This work examines variations in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “The Plum Garden at Kameido” by studying 82 surviving impressions of the print. Through comparative analysis, differences were observed across printings, driven by changes in woodblocks, block wear, colourants and printing techniques. Four distinct printing ‘states’ were identified, reflecting evolving production methods and adaptations to meet commercial demands, but also woodblock wear. Early impressions preserve Hiroshige’s artistic intent more faithfully, featuring intricate printing effects, a greater number of printing steps and minimal block wear. Later states demonstrate alterations to colour schemes, reduced printing complexity, printing misalignment and woodblock anomalies, highlighting the pressures of mass production and publisher-driven decisions. Evidence of fading was observed in several impressions, indicating the original colours would have been more vibrant. This research underscores the importance of detailed analysis in understanding the material and artistic evolution of Japanese ukiyo-e prints. It offers new insights into the publication chronology of “The Plum Garden at Kameido” and calls for further studies to explore the technological, artistic and commercial factors shaping ukiyo-e printmaking. Few in-depth investigations exist that have explored the evolution of specific designs over time.