Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei

by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Current Status

Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei

Series; Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road, 1852 - 1853

Kuniyoshi's Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road - Terrific print from Kuniyoshi's Kisokaido Road series, published between 1852 and 1853. The Kisokaido Road ran between Edo and Kyoto along a mountainous inland route, as opposed to the Tokaido Road, which followed the coast. Kuniyoshi created one design for each of the sixty-nine stations along the way, plus images for Edo and Kyoto. Each features a well-known figure from history or legend, along with a small inset depicting the station itself. These terrific illustrations feature wonderful detail and handsome settings, many with deluxe printing treatments such as fine bokashi shading or burnishing. A great choice for a Kuniyoshi collector or anyone interested in Japanese history and folklore.

Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei - Interesting scene of the painter domori (stammerer) Matabei kneeling outside his house, a rather worried expression on his face, his brows furrowed. The unhappy artist has watched a younger apprentice promoted ahead of him by their teacher, a humiliating event. His wife smiles happily standing behind him, while a samurai seems about to tumble backwards at her feet. The country home is set along the river, framed by tall pine trees. The inset at upper left shows two travelers in a hilly landscape, a rushing waterfall flowing between the rocky cliffs in the distance. An intriguing subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 14"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail - a sharp, clean printing. A few prints have one or two tiny holes repaired from reverse. Faint soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.

Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
Bamba: The Stammerer Matabei by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

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