13 Utagawa Kunisada 1786 – 1865 Kisegawa between Mishima and Numazu: Segawa Kikunojō V as the Courtesan Kisegawa

from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road (Tōkaidō gojūsan tsugi no uchi)
publisher: Izutsuya Shōkichi

Actor Segawa Kikunojō V (1830–1872) is depicted in the female role of the renowned courtesan Kisegawa, a character celebrated in kabuki dramas of love, sacrifice, and honor. Kunisada portrays her with poised elegance, dressed in an exquisite kimono adorned with dragons and grapevines, her elaborate coiffure complemented by a delicate fan. The landscape in the background reveals the region between Mishima and Numazu, with the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji — an emblem of poetic beauty and transience. This print ranks among the most graceful female portrayals in the entire series, distinguished by its vibrant colors, refined hairline work, and subtle harmony of portraiture and landscape.