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.

Sokaro Restaurant, 1852 - Great image of Iwai Hanshiro VII as the beauty Orie from the kabuki play "Taiheiki Chushin-koshaku" or "The Loyal Samurai." She throws up her black kimono sleeve in alarm, hiding behind it with eyes wide, but smiling slightly. She wears a red under robe trimmed with a blue and brown checked collar, and her hair is simply arranged in a large smooth bun, a style appropriate for a married woman. The still-life at top center shows a red mat spread with the tools for painting fans, including brushes, an ink stone, and a dish of water. The scene at left shows the entrance to Fudoson Temple at Yagenbori. An interesting subject with fine line work in the hair.

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

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Some holes, repaired. Some soiling. Please see photos for details.