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 Ofuji Restaurant and the Furukawa River at Hiroo: Bando Mitsugoro III as the Fox Tadanobu, 1852 - Terrific kabuki portrait of Bando Mitsugoro III as the samurai Tadanobu, who is actually a magic fox in disguise, in the classic drama "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura." He hunches forward with his hand in a paw-like position, betraying his true animal nature. He frowns unhappily, his red stage makeup, flared sideburns, and wild hair giving him an imposing appearance. He wears a red kimono patterned with Buddhist prayer wheels over a suit of armor, the sleeves tied back with heavy gray and white twisted rope. Two circular insets above show the exterior of the Ofuji Restaurant, along with a view of Furukawa River at Hiroo, the steep banks framed by pine trees. A great design, with the figure's broad frame nicely filling the page.

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

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/4" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. Slight soiling, a few spots and creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.