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.

Totsuka: Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Hayano Kampei - Terrific portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the samurai Hayano Kampei in the kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura," which tells the story of the 47 ronin. The melancholy young man looks over his shoulder sadly as in the background, his lovely wife Okaru is carried off in a palanquin to a brothel in Kyoto. Mistakenly believing that he had accidentally killed Okaru's father, Yoichibei, Kampei commits suicide. As he lies dying, his name is cleared and he is added to this list of the 47 ronin in the vendetta against Lord Hangan. A beautifully drawn, expressive figure, with a burnished scroll pattern on the black kimono.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Fold at corner, a couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details.