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.

Hara in Suruga Province: The Old Story of the Foot of Mount Fuji; Yamato Takeru no mikoto - Fantastic illustration from the legend of the amazing "Kusanagi no Tsurugi" or "Grass-cutting Sword," one of the three sacred Imperial treasures passed down from father to son. Rebels sought to kill the Prince Yamato-Takeru no mikoto, and tricked him into coming out onto the plains to hunt. They set fire to the brush, which swiftly reached him. Finding no escape, the prince used the sword to cut down the grass to keep the fire away, and miraculously, whichever way he cut, the wind changed to blow in that direction. Using the sword, he forced the fire back upon his enemies and escaped unharmed while destroying his attackers. He is shown here bravely facing his foes, the magic sword in his hand, as the panicked rebels flee from the red flames moving through the tall grass. A terrific illustration of this famous tale. The landscape at upper left features a serene view of Mt. Fuji. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. Great detail and vibrant color in this fascinating scene, nicely detailed with embossing in the white robe.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning on reverse at edges. Stitching holes at one side from binding, a few prints have a couple small holes or thinning spots, repaired. Slight soiling, few small stains in margins. Please see photos for details. Generally in good condition overall.