Calligraphy and Pictures for the Fifty-three Stations - Terrific design from a Tokaido Road series pairing images with verses in calligraphy for the different stations. Different artists contributed designs, including Yoshitora and Kunisada II. The large pictures include landscapes, figures from history and legend, and scenes from kabuki plays and folktales. Several prints feature comic illustrations, including the adventures and mishaps of Kita and Yaji, the bumbling travelers from the popular novel "Shank's Mare." Others include travelers in Western attire or distinctly modern Meiji subjects. These imaginative prints are beautifully detailed with attractive color and fine line work, and offer an interesting Meiji era take on the classic Tokaido subject. A great choice for collectors interested in life along the Tokaido Road.

Arai in Totomi Province: Panoramic View of the Open Sea - Incredible illustration of a United States ship sailing on the open sea, the sails billowing and flags and pennants fluttering in the wind. The three masts rise above the frame of the lower image, giving the ship an impressive size and adding a real sense of depth to the scene. White-capped waves crash against the bow as the sea gently rolls, and a soft golden yellow glow spreads along the horizon. One of the most dramatic images from this series, beautifully composed, and drawn to look like an engraving. Fine cloth embossing in the background of the calligraphy panel across the top. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A terrific choice for a student of naval history.

Artist - Seikichi (active circa 1870s)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 3/4" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Minor spotting and soiling throughout with some small worm holes in margins and subject, repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.