Ishiyakushi: Distant View of Takatomizan; Ichikawa Omezo I as Benkei, 1855 - Great image from a Tokaido Road series jointly designed by Hiroshige and Toyokuni III. The foreground features a portrait by Toyokuni III of the actor Ichikawa Omezo I as Benkei in the kabuki play "Benkei Joshi." He strikes a bold pose, holding his sword out to the side as he stands beside a cylindrical container used to hold a severed enemy's head for identification. He wears a voluminous black kamishimo patterned with large Buddhist prayer wheels over a red kimono with a similar print, the long pants trailing beneath his feet. His flared wig and red and blue stage makeup add to his imposing presence. The landscape above by Hiroshige shows the warm yellow fields near Ishiyakushi, with a small shrine in a clump of trees and right and a cherry tree blossoming above a grassy mound at left. Attractively detailed and colored. A handsome design.

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

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at left edge and top corners from previous mounting. Vertical fold. Thinning area, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details.