Series; The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, 1852
Kunisada's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Kunisada's 1852 series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" pairs kabuki portraits with the stations along the famous Tokaido Road. Each design features a half-length figure in the foreground, with a border of clouds separating the actor from the landscape above. Interestingly, the title cartouche of each print is framed by different objects related to the kabuki character or play, including armor and weapons, household objects, flowers, horse equipment, and traveler's clothing and baggage. The large expressive characters are beautifully drawn and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the backgrounds.
The exact number of prints for the series is unclear, because two prints exist for some stations, and some intermediate stations are also included. Where there are two designs of the same subject, the background landscape continues across the two prints. This handsome series proved extremely popular when released, and remains a favorite of collectors today.
Kameyama: Matsumoto Koshiro V as Fujikawa Mizuemon - Great expressive portrait of Matsumoto Koshiro V portraying the villain Fujikawa Mizuemon in the kabuki play "Gojusan tsugi." He stares grimly ahead, his brows furrowed and his mouth set, resting his sword over his shoulder. He wears a solid black kimono, which focuses attention on the expressively drawn face. The landscape near Kameyama provides the backdrop, with a high castle walls looming above the pine trees. A wonderful, realistic depiction of this character.
Artist - Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Image Size - 14" x 9 1/2"
Condition - Nice color and detail. Small repair.
