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.

Sakanoshita: The Origin of the Suzuka Shrine on Mount Suzuka - Attractive design showing a beauty kneeling at the feet of a young nobleman. She shyly holds her kimono sleeve to her face as the handsome man smiles down at her. The setting is a rustic hut on Sukuza Mountain, and a peasant carrying bundles of brush can be seen through the open doorway. Wonderful detail in the setting, with a flock of birds in silhouette against the evening sky under a barely visible crescent moon. The fan-shaped insets above feature delicate embossed lines for the ribs.

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.