Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Four Stations of the Tokaido"

In this exceedingly rare work from Utagawa Kuniyoshi's own depictions of the Japan's Tokaido road, Nihonbashi, Shinagawa, Kawasaki, and Kanagawa stations are integrated into one frame and design. On the bottom left is Nihonbashi, the start point of the Great Tokaido busy with pedestrians, and the composition gradually moves upwards to Kanagawa in the distance. A marvelous and unique design from an artist best known for his warrior prints. 

Series: Views of the 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road
Date: 1835
Size: Oban
Publisher: Tsuru-ya Kihei and Tsuta-ya Kichizo
Condition: Excellent color and condition 
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) is one of Japan's greatest masters of ukiyo-e printmaking from the Edo period. Many of Kuniyoshi's works are regarded today as archetypes of woodblock prints produced during the Edo period and highly prized by collectors.