Hiroshige's Illustrations from the Soga Monogatari Zue (The Revenge of the Soga Brothers) - Wonderful image from an unusual historic series by Hiroshige illustrating the famous tale of the Soga Brothers. Based on a true story, the father was murdered in 1175 when the brothers were aged three and five. In 1193, they finally avenged his death, killing his assassin during a hunting party at the foot of Mt. Fuji during a pouring rainstorm. This legendary story of honor and heroism was a favorite during the Edo era, and a subject for countless artists and playwrights.

Known primarily for his landscapes, these prints represent a departure from Hiroshige's traditional subject matter. These terrific designs combine lively figures with handsome settings, including interiors and landscapes. Beautifully detailed with rich color and soft shading, images from this series are increasingly difficult to come by and highly collectible. A great choice for a Hiroshige enthusiast or a collector interested in classic Japanese tales. 

Shosho - Attractive portrait of the beautiful courtesan Shosho, the sweetheart of Sogo Goro. She decided to become a nun after Goro was executed for avenging his father's death. Here, she has just cut off her long hair, still holding the hank in her hand. She wears a monk's mantle over her blue and gray print kimono, and holds a poem slip in her hand as she looks down at her young attendant, who cries into her sleeve at their impending parting. A low table beside Shosho holds an ink stone and brush and another poem slip, with a partially unrolled letter on the floor below. A crescent moon glows in the deep blue night sky outside the verandah. Beautiful rich color and fine detail in this handsome design, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Losses at edges, a few wormholes, repaired. Soiling and rubbing. Please see photos for details.