Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - In 1832, Hiroshige first traveled from his home in Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto along the Tokaido road. The journey was an eye opening and life changing experience for him. As an urban man of Edo he had experienced life mainly in the capital. He immediately returned to Edo after the trip and began his masterwork woodblock series from the sketches he had made on his journey. Hiroshige's Tokaido prints are an opportunity to be transported back in time to see this world as Hiroshige did in the shadow of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Seki - Incredible depiction of travelers stopping at Seki along the Tokaido Road. A monk in a black robe has climbed atop a large statue of a seated Buddha and is tying a white cloth over Buddha's eyes. The crowd at right laugh and shield their eyes for a better look, as even a child on his mother's back points up at the spectacle. Below, a laborer scowls angrily as he holds a bucket of water and a broom, while beside him, a pilgrim or monk in a white robe collapses to his knees, and another man leans back to crane his neck. A very long sword rests against the side of the figure, and a torii gate can be seen in the distance. Wonderfully expressive figures, drawn with lively line work and attractively colored. An intriguing comic design by Kyosai from an extremely rare series.

Artist - Kyosai (1831 - 1889)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small holes, repaired. Slight creasing. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.