HIROSHIGE Mimasaka Province

Yamabushi, Mimasaka Province
Signed: Hiroshige ga
Series: Views of the 60 Odd Provinces
Publisher: Heisuke
Dated: 1853

Very good impression with good colors. Two ink smudges in cartouche

A logger on the Yoshii River and a traveller on shore wear sedge hats and straw raincoats to protect themselves from the storm; meanwhile a less fortunate traveller has lost his hat to the gusting wind.  This is the Yamabushi Valley, named for the ascetic hermits (Yamabushi, meaning one who lies in the mountains), traditionally Buddhist monks, who lived there.  Considered one of the best designs in the series.