322 - Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō Series (created in collaboration with Hiroshige, Kunisada, and Kuniyoshi) Station No. 40: Chiryū: Ariwara no Narihira at Yatsuhashi A beautiful composition by Kuniyoshi illustrating one of the most famous episodes from the Tales of Ise (Ise Monogatari): the noble poet Ariwara no Narihira stopping at the Eight Bridges (Yatsuhashi) in Chiryu. Resting near the marshes, he contemplates the blooming water irises and composes his acrostic poem expressing love and nostalgia for his journey. The upper cartouche, speckled with gold, features the complete transcription of this episode as well as the classical poem. Woodblock print Signed: “Chooro Kuniyoshi ga” on the right side of the print, followed by the artist’s red “kiri” seal Period: Edo (1845/46 (Koka 2–3)) Seal: round nanushi Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburo (Dansendo) Format: Oban tate-e Fresh colors. Binding holes in the right margin. Left margin slightly trimmed. Slight soiling.