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.

Nihonbashi: Ashikaga Yorikane, Narukami Katsunosuke, and Ukiyo Tohei, 1852 - Terrific scene of the sumo wrestler Narukami Katsunosuke confronting an attacker on the Nihonbashi Bridge. The wrestler was serving as a bodyguard for the daimyo Ashikaga Yorikane, who watches at left with a solemn frown. The large sumo towers over his opponent, Ukiyo Tohei, who shoves him angrily in the chest. Katsunosuke stands steadfast, his legs firmly spread as he reaches for Tohei, grimacing unhappily. He wears a blue kimono with an intricate tie-dyed pattern, one sleeve pushed down to the waist, his two swords tucked into the sash at his waist. Mt. Fuji rises in the distance above the opposite shore, with the inset at upper left depicting a daimyo's procession. A lively design with expressive figures. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4"

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