Toyokuni III's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Toyokuni III's 1852 series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" pairs kabuki portraits with the stations along the famous Tokaido Road. Each design features a half-length figure in the foreground, with a border of clouds separating the actor from the landscape above. Interestingly, the title cartouche of each print is framed by different objects related to the kabuki character or play, including armor and weapons, household objects, flowers, horse equipment, and traveler's clothing and baggage. The large expressive characters are beautifully drawn and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the backgrounds.

The exact number of prints for the series is unclear, because two prints exist for some stations, and some intermediate stations are also included. Where there are two designs of the same subject, the background landscape continues across the two prints. This handsome series proved extremely popular when released, and remains a favorite of collectors today.

Chiryu: Bando Takesaburo as Ariwara no Narihira - Great depiction of the actor Bando Takesaburo as the handsome poet Ariwara no Narihira performing a dance in the play "Ise monogatari." The Heian era courtier wears a pale blue robe with a darker blue geometric pattern and circular floral motifs, the white lining delicately embossed. He tosses his sleeve behind his head as he dances, looking over his shoulder. The landscape above shows features tall willow trees at left, and the title cartouche is framed with yellow iris blossoms. Faint oxidizing in white area at lower left, as is seen on other prints of this subject. Beautifully detailed and colored.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. One tiny hole and one small thinning spot, repaired. Very slight soiling, a few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.