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.

Kuwana: Onoe Kikugoro III as Tokuzo - Fantastic portrait of the kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro III in the role of Tokuzo. He has an impressive dragon patterned robe draped over his shoulders, giving him an imposing presence that fills the page. He frowns, his eyebrows furrowed and his hand clenched into a fist. The landscape above shows a view of ships in a harbor with a castle at right. A terrific expressive image with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. Stitching holes at side, small thin spot, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.