Hirokage was a student of the great master Hiroshige, and around 1860 he did a series parodying Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo." These comic views illustrate humorous mishaps and accidents, such as workmen falling off scaffolding and ending up covered in plaster, or a man tripping and upsetting noodles all over the head of his friend. Other images poke fun at traditions, with a badger parading as shogun or kite flying using a daimyo's cap as a weight on the kite string. These gentle comic scenes create a fun twist on the usual famous views of Edo, offering a humorous and entertaining look at daily life. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this series in its collection. These prints would make an unusual and interesting addition to any woodblock collection.

Nightfall at Ryogoku Bridge, 1859 - Terrific image showing the Thunder God Raijin climbing up on the pilings of Ryogoku Bridge after having fallen into the Sumida River. He snarls unhappily as a kappa grabs him by the ankle, trying to pull him back into the water. Kappa are mythological creatures or water spirits, depicted as either mischievous or evil. Raijin is surrounded by a black cloud, and his green sash to which small drums are attached is tangled around him, trailing in the water. Rain slants across the dark night sky with buildings crowding the shoreline in the distance. An amusing and creative supernatural subject with wonderful detail and fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Hirokage (active circa 1855 - 1865)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 1/2" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Lightly toned along edges with faint spotting and soiling in subject. Remnants from previous backing on reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.