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.

Yoshiwara: Iwai Kumesaburo III as Konami - Attractive portrait of Iwai Kumesaburo III as the lovely Konami, who is traveling with her mother in Act 8 of the "Kanadehon Chushingura" to Yuranosuke's country estate, where she will marry his son, Rikiya. She looks over her shoulder with a happy smile, lifting her hood with one hand. She wears a blue kimono over a red under robe, tied with a black obi and a narrow red sash. The scenery above features pine trees in the foreground, with fields stretching across to the foot of the mountains in the distance. A charming image of an eager young woman, looking forward to being a bride. Included embossing in the white kimono collar and trim.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 3/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few small marks, indent on face, light stain. Please see photos for details.