Ayu River Trout — Utagawa Hiroshige, 1841–1844

Ayu zu, or River Trout (Ayu), is an elegant Japanese fish study by Utagawa Hiroshige. Slender trout move through a subdued stream, their silvery bodies, dark backs, reddish fins, and finely described scales contrasting with a sweeping blue-green current. Graceful Japanese calligraphy occupies the surrounding negative space, creating a beautifully balanced relationship between image and written form.

Created between approximately 1841 and 1844, the print belongs to Hiroshige’s Uo zukushi, or A Complement of Fish, series. Its restrained natural palette, spacious horizontal composition, delicate linework, and careful observation of aquatic life demonstrate Hiroshige’s ability to transform an everyday natural subject into an exceptionally refined work of Edo-period printmaking.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (Andō Hiroshige)
• Title: River Trout (Ayu)
• Original title: Ayu zu
• Series: Uo zukushi (A Complement of Fish)
• Date: c. 1841–1844
• Period: Edo period
• Place of Origin: Japan
• Medium: Color woodblock print; horizontal ōban nishiki-e

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.