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.

Samegai: Kanai Tanigoro, 1852 - Terrific image of the warrior Kanai Tanigoro thrusting a monstrous lizard over the edge of a cliff with his bamboo spear. He jabs at the creature as it snarls at him with open jaws lined with jagged teeth, one clawed foot on the spear. A beauty cowers in the snow behind the samurai, hiding behind her green kimono sleeve. Snow falls heavily over the wintry sky, which is beautifully shaded from black to gray to soft blue, a detail omitted in some later printings. A dramatic scene with a handsome composition, the arc of the pine tree leading the eye back down the edge of the cliff and around the subject. A great image from this wonderful series.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight thinning and separation along horizontal centerfold, a few wormholes and small losses at edges, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.