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.

Echikawa: Saginoike Heikuro, 1852 - Dramatic and rather gruesome scene of the warrior Saginoike Heikuro kneeling next to a river as he washes the blade of his axe in the flowing water. The ghastly blue severed heads of three enemies rest on the shore nearby, proof of his triumph in battle. He wears a fine suit of armor, his long hair pulled back into a low ponytail rather than a topknot. An attendant stands behind him, leaning forward with an eager smile, waiting to be of assistance. An interesting subject with expressive faces and wonderful detail in the armor. A great choice for a collector interested in the samurai tradition.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight toning and rubbing, small smudge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.