320 - Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō (a series created jointly with Hiroshige, Kunisada, and Kuniyoshi) Station No. 9: Odawara—Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hōjō Masako in the Snow An elegant and dramatic composition set in the snow, depicting Minamoto no Yoritomo’s encounter with and refuge among the Hojo clan during his exile in Izu Province. On the right, the future shogun-nun Hojo Masako observes the snow-covered courtyard from her veranda. The upper, mirror-shaped cartouche contains a lengthy historical inscription recounting Yoritomo’s exile, his escape from the Ito domain, and his fateful union with the daughter of Hojo Tokimasa. Woodblock print Signed: “Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga” on the left side of the print, followed by the artist’s red “kiri” seal Period: Edo (1845/46 (Koka 2–3)) Seal: round nanushi Publisher: Enshuya Matabei Format: Oban tate-e Fresh colors. Losses, binding holes, and wormholes in the right margin. Left margin slightly trimmed. Slight soiling.