Kuniyoshi's Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road - Terrific print from Kuniyoshi's Kisokaido Road series, published between 1852 and 1853. The Kisokaido Road ran between Edo and Kyoto along a mountainous inland route, as opposed to the Tokaido Road, which followed the coast. Kuniyoshi created one design for each of the sixty-nine stations along the way, plus images for Edo and Kyoto. Each features a well-known figure from history or legend, along with a small inset depicting the station itself. These terrific illustrations feature wonderful detail and handsome settings, many with deluxe printing treatments such as fine bokashi shading or burnishing. A great choice for a Kuniyoshi collector or anyone interested in Japanese history and folklore.

Odai: Teranishi Kanshin in a Skeleton Kimono, 1852 - Fascinating portrait of the wealthy samurai Teranishi Kanshin standing next to a palanquin, holding an open fan and frowning. He wears an eerie matching coat and kimono patterned with skeletons, and his mon or crest is a skull, appearing on his shoulders and sleeve. Even the tsuba (guards) of his swords are shaped like skulls. His servant Dotesuke lies in the palanquin, tied up in the manner of a fish ready to eaten at a banquet. Kanshin plans to deliver the "fish" to his enemy Banzui Chobei after a quarrel, as an insult on a family memorial day when only a vegetarian meal should be eaten. Barrels of sake wrapped in straw are stacked behind him, and the title cartouche at upper right is framed by skeletons. The inset at upper left shows travelers walking along the Kisokaido Road at sunset, with tall pine trees towering over the figures. The British Museum has this image in its collection. A terrific design, beautifully detailed.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.