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HOKUSAI, Katsushika (1760 - 1849)		The Fifty-three Stations of the Tôkaidô: Near the stations of Mishima and Numazu
		Signed:                     Gakyojin Hokusai ga* Publisher:                Gyokudo Published:                c. 1804 Size:                          uncut half-ôban yoko-e (c. 13 x 38.5 cms / c. 5 1/8" x 15 1/8") FINE impression, color and condition. The two designs are still on one uncut sheet as printed. - Very rare. ref. no.: # 756060 Price: € 3,900.00

* The translation of the signature is: "Painted by Hokusai, mad about painting." The series of more than fifty designs was created by Hokusai as a commission work for the poets circle, Tsubogawa, in 1804. The prints were supplemented by poems, created by members of the circle. The surimonos were distributed among members of the circle only, in a small edition. - This private editon was followed by a commercial (our) version, without the poems, meant for the general public. This uncut (!) printing sheet consists of two designs: Two boys collecting pine needles by means of a rake (left). The two boys, though, are shown non-chalantly neglecting their task of sweeping up the needles. In the background snow-clad Mt. Fuji looms faintly through a clump of pine trees. - A beautiful, perfect design. The print at right depicts Two boys riding on buffalos. - Each print gives the distance to the next station in ri and chô. Literature: Matthi Forrer, "HOKUSAI - A Guide to the Serial Graphics"; Philadelphia, 1974; series # 81, nos. 11 & 12; pp. 64-69. Richard Lane, "HOKUSAI - Life and Work"; New York, 1989, series no. 76; and pp. 66-67 where a variant (most likely) later state of our 'Namazu' print (above, at left) is illustrated.

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