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.

Hara, No. 2: Iwai Hanshiro VII as Heisaku's Daughter Oyone - Charming kabuki portrait of Iwai Hanshiro VII as Oyone, the daughter of the poor Heisaku, who earned a meager living carrying baggage for travelers. She leans forward with an eager smile, one hand tucked beneath her other arm. Her kimono features an intricate pattern, worn over a red under robe with a tie-dyed collar. Nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair and burnishing on the black collar.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Light spotting, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.