Flowers of Edo and Views of Famous Places - Terrific design from an 1862 - 1865 series by Toyokuni III pairing kabuki actors with famous areas of Edo, done in collaboration with several different artists. Toyokuni III created the large actor portraits, while other artists such as Hiroshige II, Sadahide, Kunihisa, and Kyosai contributed the landscape designs and other scenes across the top. The term "Flowers of Edo" in the title here refers to fires, and each title cartouche features the standard or matoi and lantern of a different Edo fire brigade. The expressive portraits are beautifully detailed with fine line work and an intricate wood grain background. A beautifully printed series, with many images featuring fine shading, embossing, or touches of burnishing. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has many prints from this series in its collection. A great choice for a kabuki enthusiast.

E Brigade, Fifth Group, Ryudo: Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Musashi Goro Sadayo, 1863 - Terrific woodblock from a series designed by Toyokuni III in collaboration with many different artists. At lower right, Toyokuni III depicts Kawarazaki Gonjuro I in the role of the warrior Musashi Goro Sadayo, grimacing angrily as he holds his fist to his chest. He wears a black kamishimo over a green and navy print kimono, his hair pulled into a thick upright ponytail with the hair atop his head parted and combed into waves on either side. His red stage makeup adds to his fierce appearance. An ornate lantern trimmed with tasseled beads hangs at upper right beneath an outline of the stars of the Big Dipper, while the scene below shows a farmer leading a horse laden with brushwood across a narrow bridge. The title cartouche at upper right includes the fire brigade's matoi or standard surrounded by lanterns and signs. A nicely detailed subject.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal center fold, now flattened. Several wormholes, repaired, blends well. Wrinkling, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.