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.

Seki in Ise Province - Attractive design of a beauty at an inn in Seki, serving a dish piled high with tempting delicacies. She smiles as she leans forward, extending the lacquer serving tray. Her outer kimono is patterned with colorful tie-dyed flowers and green leaves against a black background, over a deep red under robe. The sliding screens behind her feature a geometric design in purple and blue. The inset at upper left shows a young boy in a striped robe leading a saddled horse. Nicely detailed and colored. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Most prints have multiple wormholes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling. Please see photos for as sense of individual condition. Nice condition overall.