Station 12: Mishima

Category

Library Item

Item no

16257

Title

Fifty-three stations by two brushes (Sohitsu gojusantsugi). Station 12: Mishima

Description

In the foreground are two figures dressed in theatrical kabuki style costumes. Both are otokodate or 'chivalrous commoners' and wear one sword at their waist and a bamboo flute (shakuhachi) across their backs. Otokodate were usually men, however, the figure on the left is very feminine and wears an elaborate obi belt tied behind her. The male character has removed his shoes and leans towards the woman with open arms. She responds by extending a hand to touch his shaved head. The kimonos of both characters are decorated with pieces from a game of Go (often described as 'Japanese Chess'). This reference is reinforced by the checkerboard pattern in yellow and red of the man's obi belt. His kimono is sage green and is worn with a red undergarment, and the woman wears a purple kimono with a blue and white checkerboard patterned fabric at the neckline. Her obi belt is more ornate but again bears a blue and red check design.
In the background inset, Hiroshige depicts the slope of a hill beyond which lies a river spanned by a bridge and a small village. This scene appears in many of Hiroshige's Tokaido print series, however in the Hoeido series the artist chose to depict the travellers and pilgrims passing the torii gate of Mishima shrine.

Artist / maker

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)

Engraver

Hori Take (Yokogawa Takejiro)

Date

1854

Size

36 x 24.8 cm

Type

Wood cut

Location

Art and Design Library

Further artist information:
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865)
Signed:
Hiroshige ga (landscape)
Toyokuni ga (figures)
Censorship seal: Aratame

Further date information:
1854, month unknown, (possibly Tiger year, 8th month)

The subject matter of the 'Fifty-three stations by two brushes' series drew upon the popularity of Hiroshige's celebrated series 'Fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road' (Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi); the earliest editions of which were produced between 1832 and 1834.
Both Kunisada and Hiroshige were pupils of the Utagawa School and collaborated together in order to produce a commercial hit with their 'Fifty-three stations by two brushes'. The series demonstrates Hiroshige's distinction as a landscape artist and Kunisada'a skill as a figurative artist. This series comprises of fifty-six designs (including the title page). Although there were fifty-three post stations, artists traditionally include Nihonbashi (where the Tokaido began) and Kyoto (the road's terminus). The late Edo-period audience who would have collected these lavish prints were able to make connections between the figures and the specific post stations along the Tokaido. Each character's relationship to a locality relies upon subtle references to well known legends and kabuki theatre plots.

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Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Belts

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

Landscape > Land > Mountains

Military > Arms and armament > Daggers and swords

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Asia > Japan

Sport and leisure > Culture > Musical instruments

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