Toyokuni III's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Toyokuni III's 1852 series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" pairs kabuki portraits with the stations along the famous Tokaido Road. Each design features a half-length figure in the foreground, with a border of clouds separating the actor from the landscape above. Interestingly, the title cartouche of each print is framed by different objects related to the kabuki character or play, including armor and weapons, household objects, flowers, horse equipment, and traveler's clothing and baggage. The large expressive characters are beautifully drawn and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the backgrounds.

The exact number of prints for the series is unclear, because two prints exist for some stations, and some intermediate stations are also included. Where there are two designs of the same subject, the background landscape continues across the two prints. This handsome series proved extremely popular when released, and remains a favorite of collectors today.

Ishiyakushi: Sawamura Chojuro V as Yoshitaka - Terrific portrait of the actor Sawamura Chojuro V as Yoshitaka. He wears a black kimono with a mon or family crest of paulownia encircled with bamboo on the shoulders and sleeve. The black kimono features a subtle burnished pattern of circular motifs. His eyes are open wide and his eyebrows raised, his hair pulled back into a sleek topknot. The station of Ishiyakushi appears in the background with travelers bundled up in straw hats and coats walking along the street. A handsome design with attractive color and detail in the landscape, and embossing in the white kimono trim.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 7/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A few small holes and tears repaired from reverse. Light soiling and spotting in subject. Please see photos for details. Good overall.