Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake print – Utagawa Hiroshige – Japan – 1856
Ohashi Atake no yudachi, or Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake print is a famous woodblock by Hiroshige Utagawa (歌川広重). It was created in 1857 as part of his series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” (Edo being the old name for Tokyo). The image depicts a scene of a yūdachi—an “evening descent” of the thunder god — a summer rain in which the heavens suddenly darken late in the day, releasing torrents of rain in large drops that then quickly clear. The scene unfolds over Edo’s Shin-Ohashi, or New Great Bridge with the view towards the Atake district obscured by the sudden deluge.
Hiroshige visited the subject of figures caught in a sudden rain shower throughout his landscape work. However, The Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge print is widely considered one of Hiroshige’s most iconic prints. The artwork exemplifies Hiroshige’s mastery in capturing not just the beauty of Japan’s landscapes, but also the everyday lives of its people. The intersecting diagonals and unexpected perspectives create a dynamic scene, while the figures’ unpreparedness for the sudden shower adds a touch of realism and completes the atmosphere of a summer downpour.
The scene unfolds over a small section of the wooden Shin-Ohashi Bridge spanning the Sumida River dominates the foreground. As the black clouds unleash a torrent, the figures on the bridge scramble for cover. Two women valiantly battle their dark umbrellas against the wind, hurrying towards the Sumida’s river bank. One man, caught completely unprepared seeks refuge beneath a straw mat. Three others huddle for shared protection under a single umbrella, their path leading towards the red-light district of Atake.
In the river below, a lone boatman steers his vessel towards the bridge. For some, the heavy rain is a mere inconvenience and life has to go on uninterrupted. The solitary figure continues to punt his log raft toward the Fukagawa timber yards. The torrential downpour reduces the far bank to a mere silhouette. Only the faintest outlines of Fukagawa’s and Honjo’s temples and the row of storehouses for the Shogun’s boats arebbarely visible. The rain itself is a masterpiece in the print. Hiroshige uses a multitude of fine, dark lines running in different directions to create a sense of movement and intensity in the shower.
Inspired by Japan
The opening of Japan in 1858 sparked a fascination with Japanese art in Europe, particularly among the Impressionists. Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was no exception. An avid collector of Japanese prints, he was especially drawn to the work of Hiroshige. This admiration culminated in two oil paintings directly inspired by Hiroshige’s iconic “One Hundred Views of Edo” series: “Plum Estate, Kameido” and “Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake.”
Van Gogh’s “Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige),” created exactly thirty years after the original, takes inspiration a step further. He not only captures the essence of Hiroshige’s work but also adds his own vibrant touch. The bridge scene is framed by a border decorated with Japanese characters (kanji), further emphasizing the influence.
It is also known that for several years Queen’s famous lead singer Freddie Mercury tried to obtain a copy of the print to add to his personal art collection. He came close when his close friend Mary Austin attended an auction at Sotheby’s in 1977. After some intense bidding, the price reached of figure of some serious deliberation and Austin pulled out of the race. This left Mercury disappointed to miss out on acquiring such a significant piece, especially considering it came from the collection of a renowned Western print collector.
Undeterred, they continued their search, this time venturing to Japan. Their perseverance paid off, and they eventually found another edition of the same masterpiece by Hiroshige. This became the crown jewel of Freddie Mercury’s woodblock print collection.
How much is an original 1856 Utagawa Hiroshige Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake print worth?
Titled Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake print (大はしあたけの夕立), this dramatic, Japanese Ukiyo-e poster was published in 1857. The original was a colour woodblock oban print, numbered Plate 52 of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. It is universally appreciated as the masterpiece of the series.
The value of an original Utagawa Hiroshige “Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake” woodblock print can vary depending on several factors. The overall condition of the print is crucial. Signs of fading, foxing tears, and repairs will make a significant impact on value. A print in excellent condition will be worth more than one with significant damage.
Early editions with vibrant colors tend to be more valuable. Subsequent editions may have slightly different colors or show signs of wear on the woodblocks used for printing. Furthermore, a well-documented history of ownership by reputable collectors can increase the value.
Past auction sales provide some guidance on value. For instance, a Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake print turned up at a Sotheby’s auction in 2006 estimated at £70,000-£100,000 (roughly $90,000-$130,000 USD).
While vintage posters often appreciate in value, it’s important to note that they can also depreciate. In June 2020, an original “Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake” print received a significantly lower estimate of £20,000-£30,000, though it still sold for a still impressive £52,500.
Let’s face it. if stars as rich and famous as Freddie Mercury can be outbid at auction, there’s not much hope for us mere mortals being able to own one.
That’s where our fantastic high-quality reproductions come in! They capture the spirit and undeniable charm of the originals, with all the same stunning details, bold images, and classic fonts. Best of all, they’re a fraction of the cost and will look amazing framed on your wall.
Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake print
