Calligraphy and Pictures for the Fifty-three Stations - Terrific design from a Tokaido Road series pairing images with verses in calligraphy for the different stations. Different artists contributed designs, including Yoshitora and Kunisada II. The large pictures include landscapes, figures from history and legend, and scenes from kabuki plays and folktales. Several prints feature comic illustrations, including the adventures and mishaps of Kita and Yaji, the bumbling travelers from the popular novel "Shank's Mare." Others include travelers in Western attire or distinctly modern Meiji subjects. These imaginative prints are beautifully detailed with attractive color and fine line work, and offer an interesting Meiji era take on the classic Tokaido subject. A great choice for collectors interested in life along the Tokaido Road.

Futakawa in Mikawa Province: Woman Travelling by Pack Horse - Attractive scene of a woman riding atop an ox, pausing to back over her shoulder at an attendant. She wears a deep purple outer kimono trimmed in black, her elegant hairstyle protectively wrapped in a blue and white cloth. She sits atop a cushion, holding onto the wooden saddle with one hand, and carrying a pipe in the other. The circular inset above shows a view of a snowy mountain framed by pine trees, rendered in a loose, expressive style. A handsome design with lively color. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 13" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal centerfold. Slight soiling, a few creases and marks. Please see photos for details.