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.

Okazaki: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Karaki Masaemon - Handsome kabuki portrait of Nakamura Utaemon IV in the role of the great swordsman Karaki Masaemon, who helps his brother-in-law avenge his father's death in a vendetta commonly known as the "Igagoe Revenge." He is shown here looking over his shoulder with a worried expression, facing the difficult decision that if he assists his brother-in-law, he will lose everything that is dear to him. He wears a plain brown kimono over his red under robe, his hair pulled back into a thin topknot tied with white cord. The scene above shows travelers crossing the bridge over the Yahagi River at Okazaki during the winter, with gray snowflakes dotting the sky and snow-covered mountains looming on the horizon. A fine, restrained image, successfully expressing the conflict that the character is undergoing. Nicely detailed with fine shading in the sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 9 7/8" x 14" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light toning at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.