Kuniyoshi's Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road - Terrific print from Kuniyoshi's Kisokaido Road series, published between 1852 and 1853. The Kisokaido Road ran between Edo and Kyoto along a mountainous inland route, as opposed to the Tokaido Road, which followed the coast. Kuniyoshi created one design for each of the sixty-nine stations along the way, plus images for Edo and Kyoto. Each features a well-known figure from history or legend, along with a small inset depicting the station itself. These terrific illustrations feature wonderful detail and handsome settings, many with deluxe printing treatments such as fine bokashi shading or burnishing. A great choice for a Kuniyoshi collector or anyone interested in Japanese history and folklore.

Ota: Yabui Ryochiku and Amakawaya Gihei - Great scene from the classic kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura," the drama based on the tale of the 47 ronin. The merchant Amakawaya Gihei has been charged with ordering and storing equipment for the vendetta, eventually sending his wife, Osono, away to maintain secrecy. The samurai Yabui Ryochiku, who wants to marry Osono off to a wealthy man for compensation, arrives to ask Gihei for a letter of divorce so he can follow his plan. The poor Gihei has no choice but to do as Ryochiku requests, for to ask his wife to return to him would threaten Yuranosuke's plans. Angry and disgusted by Ryochiku's request, Gihei grabs the unhappy samurai by the neck of his black coat as he struggles to free himself. A crescent moon glows in front of a dark cloud in the night sky, the river seen in the distance. Nice expressive figures in this interesting subject.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. One or two tiny holes repaired from reverse. Faint soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.