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The Yaozen Restaurant, 1852  by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)  and Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Yaozen Restaurant, 1852

Series; Famous Restaurants of the Eastern Capital

Famous Restaurants of the Eastern Capital - Handsome print from a collaborative series by Toyokuni III and Hiroshige, published between 1852 and 1853. Toyokuni III created the large actor portraits in the foreground, with Hiroshige designing the smaller landscape and still-life insets relating to the featured restaurant or its location. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has many of these images in its collection. These attractive designs are beautifully colored and detailed, making them a great choice for a collector interested in Edo era woodblocks.

The Yaozen Restaurant, 1852 - Handsome portrait of Nakamura Utaemon IV in the role of Yaoya Hanbei in the kabuki play "Shinju Yoi-goshin." The play is based on the tragic true story of an Osaka greengrocer and his wife who commit lover's suicide rather than divorce. Here the merchant looks up with a horrified expression, clutching his sleeve to his chest. His dark striped outer coat hangs from one shoulder, worn over a yellow and gray striped kimono. His hair is pulled back into a thin topknot, tied with a white cord. The fan-shaped inset features a view of the Nihon embankment, seen through an upper story window at the Yaozen Restaurant. Mt. Fuji rises at left and tiny figures of travelers carry palanquins along the horizon, past a marshy landscape framed by tall trees. A moving and expressive portrait with fine shading in the background and nice wood grain impression.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with old paper. Slight soiling. Some prints have faint toning or spotting near edges, or slight rubbing. Please see photos for individual condition. Generally in good condition overall.

The Yaozen Restaurant, 1852  by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)  and Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
The Yaozen Restaurant, 1852  by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)  and Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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