
Ishiyakushi
A hand-painted replica of Andō Hiroshige’s masterpiece Ishiyakushi, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Andō Hiroshige's "Ishiyakushi" is one of the woodblock prints from his renowned series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō Gojūsan-tsugi), which was first published in the 1830s. This series depicts the fifty-three post stations along the Tōkaidō, the main travel route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto during the Edo period in Japan. Hiroshige's works in this series are celebrated for their detailed and evocative portrayal of landscapes, daily life, and travel during this time.
"Ishiyakushi" represents the forty-fifth station on the Tōkaidō. The name "Ishiyakushi" refers to the Ishiyakushi-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple located in the area, which was a notable landmark for travelers. The temple is said to have been founded in the 8th century and was dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. The station itself was situated in what is now Suzuka City in Mie Prefecture.
In this print, Hiroshige captures a tranquil rural scene, characteristic of his ability to blend natural beauty with human activity. The composition typically includes elements such as travelers on the road, local villagers, and the surrounding landscape, though the specific details of this print may vary depending on the edition. Hiroshige’s use of perspective and his skillful depiction of atmospheric conditions, such as weather and time of day, are hallmarks of his style and contribute to the enduring appeal of the series.
Hiroshige's The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series was highly popular during his lifetime and remains one of the most famous examples of ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) art. The series not only provides a visual record of the Tōkaidō route but also offers insight into the culture, geography, and daily life of Edo-period Japan.
Further details about the specific print "Ishiyakushi" may vary depending on the edition or reprint, as Hiroshige's works were often reproduced by different publishers. However, the original series is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese art and a significant contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition.