Japanese Woodblock Print – Actors at the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road – Toyokuni III

This Japanese woodblock print is by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865), also known as Toyokuni III, one of the most celebrated artists of the Japanese ukiyo-e tradition. Dating to the Edo period, the print belongs to the series Actors at the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road, which combines portraits of famous Kabuki actors with landscapes inspired by the historic Tokaido highway connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto.

The composition depicts the Kabuki character Kane'e Tanigoro, associated with Kambara, one of the celebrated stations along the Tokaido Road. The actor's expressive face, dramatically raised hand and elaborate costume demonstrate Toyokuni III's extraordinary ability to capture the theatrical intensity and distinctive personalities of the Kabuki stage.

Published by Izutsuya Shokichi, the print is a wonderful example of 19th-century Japanese colour woodblock printing, with its confident outlines, carefully layered colours and dynamic composition. The subtle ageing and softened colours add to its historic character.

Presented in a simple black frame with a generous white mount with hangers on the rear.