Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A Japanese hanging scroll (kakemono) depicting a serene, moonlit landscape with terraced rice paddies reflecting the moon, known as 'Tagoto no Kage' (Moon reflected in every rice paddy). The painting features a signature and seal consistent with the legendary ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige, housed in a traditional protective double wooden box (niju-bako).
Story
In Edo-period Japan, the terraced rice fields of Mount Obasute became a legendary destination for moon-viewing. This painting captures the poetic phenomenon where the autumn moon appears perfectly reflected in every single water-filled terrace simultaneously.
Maker / Origin
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) was one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e art movement, renowned for his atmospheric landscapes that captured weather, light, and season. While world-famous for his woodblock prints, his original brush paintings (nikuhitsu-ga) are exceedingly rare, showcasing his direct, fluid brushwork and delicate wash techniques.
Condition & Value
The painting shows light, age-appropriate toning and minor creasing consistent with Edo-period paper. The mounting is in excellent, well-preserved condition, protected by the double-box system which has shielded it from moisture and light damage. Value is driven by the attribution to Hiroshige.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.