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.

Mishima: Arashi Kichisaburo III as Kanaya Kingoro - Terrific portrait of the actor Arashi Kichisaburo III as the commoner Kanaya Kingoro, whose love affair with the beauty Kosan ends in tragedy. He is shown here looking over his shoulder with a strange frown, his eyes wide and eyebrows raised. His kimono features a bold plaid pattern in tan and blue, and he has a blue and white towel wrapped about his neck. A sword hangs at his side and a shakuhachi flute is visible at his back. The landscape above shows shops lining the road at Mishima. An expressive figure.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Stitching holes at side, repaired. A couple creases, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.