Early Edo Woodblocks - Handsome design from a group of early Edo era woodblocks by 18th and 19th century master artists such as Hokusai, Eizan, Eisen, Toyokuni I, and others. This terrific selection of illustrations includes beauties, kabuki portraits, and scenes from everyday life, depicting traditional tales and novels, as well as the new "floating world," in wonderful detail. This is a terrific offering of classic, early designs, and a wonderful opportunity to add a work by a renowned ukiyo-e artist to any collection.

The Boatman Matsuemon, Actually Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, 1812 - Handsome scene from a kabuki play about the great warrior Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, a retainer of the twelfth century Minamoto warrior Yoshinaka. After Yoshinaka's death, Kanemitsu rescued his master's son and escaped, disguised as the boatman Matsuemon. From left, the actors are Iwai Shijaku as Matsuemon's wife, Oyoshi, Ichikawa Danjuro, and Iwai Kumesaburo as the daughter Ofude.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 30 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold. Slight separation at ends of vertical folds at side of two panels, a few wormholes, repaired. Toning, soiling, creasing, stains, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.