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.

Toriimoto: Tadamori and the Oil Thief, 1852 - Terrific design of Taira no Tadamori catching an oil thief in the act as he steals the oil from a stone lantern at a temple. The warrior, who served the Emperor Go-Shirakawa, had been charged by his master to capture a demon figure lurking around the temple, which when seen in silhouette, had a spiky head and seemed to breath fire. Watching carefully, Tadamori discovered it to be only a vagrant monk, whose tattered straw hat gave the illusion of spikes, carrying a covered flame. Tadamori scowls as he watches the monk, dressed in tattered robes, pour the oil from the lamp into a small pitcher. A fantastic illustration of this famous tale, which earned Tadamori a reward from the emperor for his bravery and common sense. The title cartouche is framed by a stone lantern, a spiky straw hat, and a stream of oil pouring from a pitcher. Wonderfully detailed with a terrific setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A couple small thinning spots, repaired. Slight toning, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.