Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess

Series; The Fifty-three Pairs for the Tokaido Road

The Fifty-three Pairs for the Tokaido Road - Around 1845, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi, and Toyokuni III (Kunisada) contributed designs to a Tokaido series titled "The Fifty-three Pairs (or Parallels) for the Tokaido Road." The series featured images of historical figures, legends, and ghost stories associated with the different stations along this famous route. The series title appears in a black cartouche at upper right, with a narrative in an inset at left, and a scene illustrating the story below. An interesting take on the classic Tokaido series, these prints feature lively and animated designs of warriors and beauties or ghosts and spirits, instead of typical travelers, bringing the highway to life. A great choice for a collector interested in Japanese tales and legends.

Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess - Fantastic image of the Dragon Princess rising up out of Lake Biwa to beg the great warrior Tawara Toda Hidesato to rid the water of the giant centipede of Seta, which can be seen in the inset above. She has long flowing hair and floats on the surface of the choppy water. The samurai shields his eyes with his hand as he peers at her, resting on his bow. The horrible creature curls around the edge of the cartouche, its eyes glowing. An incredible scene from this famous tale, beautifully drawn with fine line work and soft shading. A great choice for a collector interested in Japanese folklore.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Stitching holes along one edge. A few small wormholes repaired. Some soiling or rubbing as shown. Some small losses repaired. A couple stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Kusatsu: Tawara Toda and the Dragon Princess by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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