Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size.

Stations Totsuka, Fujisawa and Hiratsuka seen from Hodogaya from Tokaido gojusan eki (shishuku meisho), “Famous Views of the Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido (four at a time).” In fact, there are between three and six on each sheet. An undistinguished set because of the necessity of compressing three or more stations into each design, apart from sailing boats between Maisaka and Arai, and this daring composition showing a group of boisterous pilgrims lower left. Hodogaya was a common stop for travellers starting on religious journeys. Published by Tsuruya Kiemon (Tsuruki) and Tsutaya Kichizo (Tsutakichi), c 1835. This is the first edition with light shading at top.

Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi shuka zu, “Drawn together by Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi.”

Status: Sold