The Fifty-three Pairs for the Tokaido Road - Around 1845, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi, and Toyokuni III (Kunisada) contributed designs to a Tokaido series titled "The Fifty-three Pairs (or Parallels) for the Tokaido Road." The series featured images of historical figures, legends, and ghost stories associated with the different stations along this famous route. The series title appears in a black cartouche at upper right, with a narrative in an inset at left, and a scene illustrating the story below. An interesting take on the classic Tokaido series, these prints feature lively and animated designs of warriors and beauties or ghosts and spirits, instead of typical travelers, bringing the highway to life. A great choice for a collector interested in Japanese tales and legends.

Seki: Priest Ikkyu and the Hell Courtesan - Incredible design by Hiroshige depicting the courtesan Jigokudayu, (which literally means Hell Courtesan) strolling at New Year's accompanied by a small attendant. The Priest Ikkyu stands before her, holding a staff with a skull attached to remind revelers of the inevitability of death. He enlightened the young courtesan as to the evils of her profession, and she became a convert to religious life. The young beauty is elegantly dressed, wearing a kimono patterned with a view of hell with demons and flames, and a black monk's mantle. A fantastic subject.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Stitching holes along one edge. A few small wormholes repaired. Some soiling or rubbing as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.