ARTIST : The work bears two seals although they remain unread
AGE : 18th century
SIZE : Each painting measures 51 by 20 inches. Fully extended each screen measures 67 by 145.5 inches.
DESCRIPTION : A rare series of twelve paintings depicting stations along the famed Tokaido or Eastern Ocean Road of Japan. The detailed illustrations begin with Tokyo at the far right and end with the lower reaches of Lake Biwa and finally Kyoto. A distinct emphasis has been placed on representing the existing castles of the time and this may well allow further research to more accurately date the work.
TECHNIQUE : The scenes have been painted with ink, pigment and gofun on paper - the open fields sprinkled with tsunago or gold flecks.
CONDITION : The paintings themselves are in quite good condition although some insect damage is visible. The Edo period gold leaf screens are showing their age and may need to be replaced, although there is certainly a case to be made for keeping and displaying them as is.
