Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852

Series; Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road, 1852 - 1853

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.

Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852 - Great image of the samurai Midono Kotaro, one of Yoshitsune's ten famous retainers, fighting with a gang of demons disguised as thieves in an abandoned temple. He grips his sword above his head with both hands as a horned demon grabs him around the waist and another man slashes at him with a sword. He frowns with determination, standing with one foot atop an enemy sprawling on the ground. In the grass behind him rests the head of a guardian figure alongside tilting wooden grave markers. An intriguing, atmospheric subject with expressive figures.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Thinning along vertical fold at left edge, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Midono: Midono Kotaro, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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