Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 13.5 x 20.5 in; 34.5 x 52 cms. Shows the renowned Husband and Wife rocks, Meoto Iwa, “Married Couple Stones,” off Futami, Mie, Japan. At this time – c. late 1840s – many thin ropes were used to tie the couple together. They are now joined by a single large shimenawa – a rope of rice straw. The larger (male) rock called Izanagi has a small torii at the top. The smaller (female) rock is called Izanami. They are sacred to the Shinto religion and worshippers flock to the neighbouring Futami Okitama Shrine, which is dedicated to the food goddess Miketsu. The ancient Shinto custom of worshipping stones is called Iwakura. A fine Hiroshige painting.

Signed Hiroshige ga with large Ichiryusai seal. In good condition with interesting old mount.

Status: Sold