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.

Shimo no Suwa: Princess Yaegaki, 1852 - Terrific image from the story of Princess Yaegaki and the magic battle helmet. Intent on delivering the helmet to her sweetheart, she came across a lake she could not cross. She prayed to the god of the Suwa Shrine, who sent foxes to assist her. Here, she carries the helmet over her shoulders, crouching in a fox-like position as she watches the shadowy foxes gathering around her to help. She wears a beautiful red kimono patterned with peonies, the sleeves trimmed with bows and tassels. A fantastic supernatural design from this famous tale, beautifully detailed with embossing in the white kimono trim and soft shading in the foxes.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Thinning and small loss at corner, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases and slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.