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.

Ochiai: Kume Sennin and the Washerwoman, 1852 - Amusing scene of the sennin or immortal Kume falling into a river while staring at a lovely washerwoman. Kume had the ability to fly, and according to legend, he spotted a young woman doing laundry in the river as he flew over Yoshino one day. Overcome with passion at the sight of her beautiful white legs, his powers failed him and he tumbled to the ground at her feet. She soon became his wife. Here, he tumbles headfirst into the water with his legs and arms flailing, still leering at the beauty. She falls backwards in surprise as her overturned laundry tub falls over her legs, the cloth draped over her shoulder fluttering in the breeze. The inset at upper left shows a road sloping down the side of a mountain and curving around towards a village. A charming design from this famous tale.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Thinning and loss at edge, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.