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.

Imasu: The Soga Brothers - Fantastic scene from the famous tale of the Soga Brothers from an interesting Kuniyoshi series pairing historical of legendary scenes with the stations of the Kisokaido Road. Here, the two brothers sneak into the bedroom of Kudo Suketsune, the man who murdered their father, intent on achieving revenge. Soga Goro kneels beside the mosquito netting over the sleeping man, gripping his sword and gesturing for his brother to join him. Soga Juro scowls in the doorway, silently sliding open the wooden panel. An inset at upper left shows travelers pausing on a hillside above the village of Imasu. A great image from this classic drama, with expressive figures and a wonderfully detailed setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.