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. 

The Soga Brothers (Ichimanmaru and Hakoomaru) with Their Mother - Handsome scene of the Soga Brothers as very young children outside the family home. The older boy, known as Ichimanmaru in childhood, points out the geese in the sky descending for the evening to his younger brother, Hakoomaru, who smiles happily. Their mother peeks around the corner of s sliding shoji screen, quietly giggling into her kimono sleeve as she watches them. A charming design with water flowing from a bamboo pipe and splashing into a narrow stream, the mountain in the distance shadowed with gray as night falls.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning at left edge, a few tiny losses and thinning at bottom edge, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing, slight rubbing near edge, a few faint stains. Please see photos for details.