Thirty-six Views of the Eastern Capital - Great design from a series pairing kabuki actors with famous views of Edo. Published between 1863 and 1865, Toyokuni III contributed sixteen designs before his death, with Kunichika creating the rest of the prints for the series. These attractive images feature large, well-detailed figures in front of classic landscapes and city scenes from the Eastern Capital. Toyokuni III's student Kunihisa contributed the backgrounds for his images. A rarely seen series and a great choice for a kabuki enthusiast. 

Ueno: Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Jiraiya - Terrific kabuki portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as the folk hero and magician Jiraiya. The wild-haired samurai pauses while smoking a pipe to look up over his shoulder with a slight frown. Casually draped over one shoulder, his outer kimono features a snarling dragon clutching a jewel in its claws. His purple under robe has a bold pattern of kanji characters in blue, the floral trim delicately embossed. Tall pines and blossoming cherry trees frame a temple building at Ueno in the background. A wonderful kabuki portrait with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. A couple faint spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.