Bidspirit auction | Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). Published By

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). Published By Tsuruya Kiemon, Edo. - A RARE 1850s JAPANESE WOODBLOCK SUGOROKU 'BOARD GAME'. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). Published By Tsuruya Kiemon, Edo. Illustrated Sugoroku Game of Famous Places along the Tokaido Road. Circa 1850 A large and very rare color woodblock Sugoroku (pictorial board game) depicting famous places along the Tokaido Road, the principal highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. The composition presents a winding route marked by red station cartouches representing post towns and scenic landmarks encountered by travelers along the route. Mount Fuji appears prominently near the center as a symbolic and geographic anchor within the journey. Circa 1840s-early 1850s. Footnote: Sugoroku in the mid 19th century were large-format Japanese printed board games in which players progress along a pictorial route by dice throws. They were made to be folded, used, punctured and ultimately disposed of. A well preserved example like the present print are very rare. Sight size measures 27 x 28.25 with a framed size of 34.5 x 35 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Sight size measures 27 x 28.25 with a framed size of 34.5 x 35 inches. Condition Scattered bits of repair along the right vertical fold line, vertical joint is a bit uneven, minor spotting across the top, , otherwise very good condition otherwise clean, intact, no other visible stain, damage, repair, punctures or tears. This work has not been examined outside the frame. Provenance Provenance: The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942-2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques, Tokyo (est. 1978). A world-renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints and furniture, Kurofune was a landmark destination featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.