Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 1852

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 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.

Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 1852 - Terrific image of the loyal warrior monk Musashibo Benkei bringing the captured Tosabo Shoshun to his lord Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He captured Shoshun during the night attack on Horikawa Palace. The captive sits on the saddle in front of Benkei, glaring at him unhappily as the samurai transports him on horseback. Benkei stares at him with bulging eyes, wearing a black robe patterned with Buddhist prayer wheels and a tall black court cap. A groom leads the horse by the bridle, walking alongside the prancing animal. The inset above shows a view of Seba with yellow clouds drifting across the landscape. A handsome design with expressive figures.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Small holes and thinning spots, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, rubbing at top edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Seba: Musashibo Benkei and Tosabo Shoshun, 1852 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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