Sea Bass and Splendid Alfonsino c. 1840 - 1842

"Sea Bass and Splendid Alfonsino" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige, created between 1840 and 1842. This artwork showcases Hiroshige's mastery of depicting nature with incredible detail and vibrancy. The print features a sea bass, a type of fish highly prized in Japanese cuisine, rendered in muted blues and grays. It floats above a vibrant red Alfonsino, its scales meticulously rendered, creating a striking contrast. The inclusion of delicate aquatic plants adds a touch of natural beauty and emphasizes the freshness of the catch. This print, like many of Hiroshige's works, belongs to the genre of "ukiyo-e," depicting the "floating world" of Edo-period Japan, showcasing everyday life and natural beauty.