Gakutei, Yashima (1786 – 1868), “The Stonebridge Over the Aji River at Niiyama, Osaka”

Notes: The Stone Bridge at Shinzan, Aji River, Osaka hovers between surimono and ukiyo-e in its immaculately detailed printing, positive use of strong color and sure design, echoing Hokusai's fascination with bridges and people. The slightly doll-like figures are differentiated with some care, boating or taking a walk to enjoy the breeze off the sea. Yashima Gakutei, a pupil of both Hokkei and Hokusai, was a surimono artist and illustrator of books who produced a superb album of six oban views of Osaka in 1838. The series is known as, “Famous Places in Osaka: Fine Views of Mount Tenpo (Naniwa meisho Tenpozan shokei ichiran)". A rarely seen oban size design by the artist.