Hiroshige & Eisen. The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido
Japanese binding in clothbound box, 17.3 x 11.8 in., 8.59 lb, 234 pages
US$ 150
This XXL edition reprints Keisai Eisen and Utagawa Hiroshige’s legendary series The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaidō, a stunning representation of the historic route between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Sourced from one of the finest surviving first editions, this vivid tapestry of 19th-century Japan is in equal parts a major artifact of its imperial past and a masterwork of woodblock practice.
Customer reviews (16)
Station to Station
A historic trail through the heart of Japan, as told by two legendary woodblock artists
The Kisokaidō route through Japan was ordained in the early 1600s by the country’s then-ruler Tokugawa Ieyasu, who decreed that staging posts be installed along the length of the arduous passage between Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Inns, shops, and restaurants were established to provide sustenance and lodging to weary travelers. In 1835, renowned woodblock print artist Keisai Eisen was commissioned to create a series of works to chart the Kisokaidō journey. After producing 24 prints, Eisen was replaced by Utagawa Hiroshige, who completed the series of 70 prints in 1838.Both Eisen and Hiroshige were master print practitioners. In The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaidō, we find the artists’ distinct styles as much as their shared expertise. From the busy starting post of Nihonbashi to the castle town of Iwamurata, Eisen opts for a more muted palette but excels in figuration, particularly of glamorous women, and relishes snapshots of activity along the route, from shoeing a horse to winnowing rice. Hiroshige demonstrates his mastery of landscape with grandiose and evocative scenes, whether it’s the peaceful banks of the Ota River, the forbidding Wada Pass, or a moonlit ascent between Yawata and Mochizuki.
Taken as a whole, The Sixty-Nine Stations collection represents not only a masterpiece of woodblock practice, including bold compositions and an experimental use of color, but also a charming tapestry of 19th-century Japan, long before the specter of industrialization. This TASCHEN XXL edition revives the series with due scale and splendor. Sourced from the only-known set of a near-complete run of the first edition of the series, this legendary publication is reproduced in optimum quality, bound in the Japanese tradition and with uncut paper. A perfect companion piece to TASCHEN’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, it is at once a visual delight and a major artifact from the bygone era of Imperial Japan.
Hiroshige & Eisen. The Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido
Japanese binding in clothbound box, 17.3 x 11.8 in., 8.59 lb, 234 pages
ISBN 978-3-8365-3938-8
Multilingual Edition: English, French, German
Multilingual Edition: English, French, German
Customer reviews (16)
Extraordinary!!
Chris, November 17, 2021
This book is in itself a true work of art! The craftsmanship, print quality, and design is simply incredible - absolutely heirloom quality.
Wonderful!
Zoltan, November 12, 2021
This is an awesome book with excellent prints and very instructive and interesting text; it’s extremely well manufactured and an absolute delight to read, feel and just look at.
Majestic
John, October 28, 2021
This majestic book is captivating in every way. Colorful and a standout in my library.
Livre d'estampes
Didier, October 28, 2021
Magnifique livre des estampes du voyage du chemin japonais du Kisokaido, représentatif de la vie à cette époque. A poser sur un lutrin pour voir chaque jour une nouvelle estampe.
Brings back fond memories
Michael, October 27, 2021
I was in Japan from 1964 to 1967. The colors, textures, details of these historical pieces always brings me back to the depth of culture and tradition that is Japan.
Amazingly Beautifyl
Marc, October 27, 2021
The printing quality looks almost like the originals. Striking depth and range of color. If you love Hiroshige, you will love the Sixty-Nine Stations along the Kisokaido. Enjoy!
Fantastic!
Andras, October 27, 2021
Beautiful, very high quality reproductions!
Una auténtica maravilla
Òscar, October 27, 2021
Edición inigualable de arte japonés. Una auténtica obra de arte siempre al alcance.
Absolutely fabulous book
Ivan, October 27, 2021
Beautifully presented in a traditional Japanese style. The introduction is comprehensive, with a lot of historical information and detailed information with each print. The prints themselves (all reproduced from first editions) are gorgeous! Can't recommend this book enough.
Encore une édition parfaite signé Taschen
Jean-Marc, October 27, 2021
Comme d'habitude avec les éditions Taschen, rien à redire sur le livre. C'est toujours un ouvrage de qualité tant du point de vue de l'objet en lui même que du point de vue du contenu (texte et reproduction des oeuvres).
Le seul point noir pour moi, c'est l'édition multi-lingues. Je préfère avoir une édition uniquement dans ma langue. Mais c'est vraiment un reproche mineur.
Le seul point noir pour moi, c'est l'édition multi-lingues. Je préfère avoir une édition uniquement dans ma langue. Mais c'est vraiment un reproche mineur.