View of the Clay Street Reservoir from Van Ness Street
Artist
Chiura Obata
(American, 1885 - 1975)
Place of OriginSan Francisco
DateApril 25, 1906
MaterialsWatercolor and graphite on paper
DimensionsOverall: H. 6 × W. 7 1/2 in (15.2 cm × 19.1 cm)
Credit LineGift from the Estate of Chiura Obata
Object number2021.35
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewPortfolioseries no. 2
Inscribedバンネス街ヨリ、クレーノ水溜山 ヲ望ム 四月二十五日、千浦
Verso: 震災後ノ桑港（二）千浦子 明治三十九年四月二十五日
[English translation of verso: San Francisco after the Earthquake (2), Chiura-ko
April 25, 1906 (Meiji 39)]
More InformationThe second sketch of the series focuses on the west side of Nob Hill, an area almost completely leveled by the post-earthquake fires. The view is from Van Ness toward the top of the hill, where the Clay Street reservoir was located. An automobile is parked beside an intact streetlight, but otherwise the only structural remains are an archway, pillars, and rubble. According to a 1906 photo, the archway marks the ruins of the Leon and Bertha Sloss residence at 1516 Van Ness, between California and Pine.
At the time of the earthquake Obata was living on Leavenworth Street, on the devastated West side of Nob Hill seen here; the camp where he took refuge was in Lafayette Park, a few blocks farther west.
