Seki, 1855 - Handsome design from a Tokaido series jointly designed by Hiroshige and Toyokuni III between 1854 - 1857. Hiroshige created the landscape backgrounds while Toyokuni III designed the large figures in the foreground. Here, a beauty encounters the blind musician Semimaru playing the biwa or Japanese lute. She pauses to look down at him as he sits calmly, holding the instrument across his lap. She has a lovely white kimono patterned with delicate grasses draped over her head, and carries an ornate black lacquer box tied with a blue tasseled cord. The landscape shows a steep hill at Seki, with tiny figures making their way up the pathway framed by tall trees. A charming design, beautifully detailed with embossing on the white kimono and trim, and soft shading in the mountain.

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

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners and sides from previous mounting. A few small wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.