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.

Hiratsuka: Iwai Kumesaburo III as Mancho's Daughter Okoma - Attractive portrait of the kabuki actor Iwai Kumesaburo III portraying Okoma, the beautiful daughter of Mancho. The young woman smiles happily as she looks over her shoulder, one hand gripping the edge of her kimono collar. Her robe is patterned with scattered cherry blossoms, and her hair is pulled back into a sleek bun trimmed with a fine lacquer comb and colorful ribbons. In the background, travelers stop at a tea stand under a tree, a tall mountain covered with trees dominating the horizon, with Mt. Fuji visible at far right. A charming design with soft shading and fine detail in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Stitching holes at side, small loss at corner, repaired. A few creases at edges, toning. Please see photos for details.