Plum Orchard in Camideau by Utagawa Hiroshige

Plum Orchard in Camideau by Utagawa Hiroshige

To the northeast of the Sanctuary of Kamaydo-tenzin, which is also known as the Yoshima-tenzin temple in Edo, was Seykean’s famous plum mansion and the famous plum garden – Kameydo Umayashiki. This mansion was famous for the abundance of plum trees. This place used to be the residence of the merchant of the kimono, Isei Hikoemon. A plum tree in the shape of a dragon curled in a ring on the ground, it was called Harjubai, was especially famous.

The height of the tree reached three meters. The thickness of the roots was about one and a half meters, they went underground, and then, at a distance, they came out, forming a new trunk. Branches descended to the ground and, weaving, again rose up. This tree and depicted Hiroshige, although at first glance it seems that the whole plum garden is shown. The area on which the plum grew was fenced, and it could be contemplated without going into the garden. It was this leaf that played a role in the history of Western painting.

It is known that Vincent van Gogh copied it, studying the pictorial techniques of Ukiyo-e engraving. The late engraving did not undergo significant changes in the color decision. It has become brighter, more elegant. Against the background of the red sunset sky, white plum blossoms stand out clearly.

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