Utagawa Hiroshige (Japan, 1797-1858) Print, oban tate-e, from the series Meisho Edo hyakkei (名所江戸百景), The Hundred Views of Edo, plate 94: Mama no momiji Tekona no yashiro Tsugihashi (真間の紅葉手古那), Maples at Mama, Tekona shrine and bridge. Signed Hiroshige ga. Publisher Uoya Eikichi. Dated 1st month of the year of the snake 1857 (Small holes). Dim. 36,8 x 25,3 cm This print illustrates Hiroshige's skilful use of colour. A closer look at the colours reveals that some shades have darkened over time. Hiroshige's use of red pigments can be seen in the shades of the maple leaves: the brown of the lead red combined with the carthamine applied underneath captures the richness of the autumn colours. The use of lead red, which has been in use since the 17th century, was a deliberate choice by the artist. This pigment darkens in the presence of sulphuric acid. Reference: A similar print in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, no. 11.26346