Click here to view image full size.
An original painting, sumi and light colour on paper, 34.25 x 11.5 in; 87 x 29 cm. Shows a seated courtesan, her summer robe with a water wheel and wave motif. A beautiful poem above which has been translated by Joel Earle:
TITLE The title of the painting is 蓴 (jun, nunawa), the aquatic plant Brasenia schreberi, commonly known as watershield. TRANSCRIPTION 中々尓夢路耳河者ゝ袖飛きてい者まほし幾尓あ那ら聲尓天 Naka naka ni / yumeji ni kawamono wa / sode hikite / iwama hoshiki ni / anara koe nite TRANSLATION Ah, how vexing! In the path of dreams where I travel towards you, you draw near like a flowing river and tug at my sleeve. I long to speak—but your alluring voice leaves me breathless. COMMENTARY Title The painting’s title, nunawa, is a metaphor for a courtesan, kawaramono who inhabits in the Floating World of Water, referring to the lively, impermanent realm of riverside quarters, performers, and night-time entertainment. Text 中々に naka naka ni. Conveys a sense of frustration, of “things not going as one wishes”, especially in love. 夢路に yumeji ni. “On the path of dreams”. Not just “in a dream” but on the classical path in which one travels to meet a beloved in dreams, and by extension, the road to the pleasure quarters. 河者ゝ kawamono ya. This term is tricky and layered. It literally evokes a river’s flow, something that comes toward you, but in Edo usage, 河者 kawamono or 河原者 kawaramono could be a derogatory term for performers, kabuki actors, entertainers, etc.—people who “flow in and out” of the pleasure world. 袖ひきて sode hikite. A classic gesture: pulling the sleeve to invite or entice. 言はまほしきに iwama hoshiki ni. A clear wish or desire: “I want to speak (to you)”. あなら聲にて anara koe nite. A seductive, alluring voice, indicating softness and charm.
The painting is in the Shijo style which employs the rapid and dexterous use of a brush loaded with pigment to achieve tonality without initial drawing or outline. While the results can be detailed, they often capture the essence of a subject in an abbreviated manner.
Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal. Rare. See my Hiroshige painting blog. Recently cleaned and remounted with futomaki and new box.
Status: Available
Price: £14,500
Click here to view image full size.
Tags: Available, Paintings, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
An orihon with 13 brush drawings, sumi and light colour on paper mounted into an album. Image size 10.75 x 13.75; 27.25 x 35 cm. Painted in the Shijo style which employs the rapid and dexterous use of a brush loaded with pigment to achieve tonality without initial drawing or outline. While the results can be detailed, they often capture the essence of a subject in an abbreviated manner. (Zeshin studied under the Shijo artists Suzuki Nanrei and Okamoto Toyohiko.) A prodigious talent famous for his lacquer work, introducing original techniques as well as reviving old ones.
Signed Zeshin on last sheet with Zeshin seal. Other sheets with seals Koman and Shin. Comes with original paulownia box. In very good condition.
Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal. Rare. See my Hiroshige painting blog. Recently cleaned and remounted with futomaki and new box.
Status: Available
Price: £4,500
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Tags: Available, Books, Shibata ZESHIN
Click here to view image full size.
An hosoban mizue, “water print” showing the poet Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) in a boat with his companions gazing at a pair of miyakodori birds inspiring his poem (shown in the poem-slip top right) asking the birds if his lover is safe. From a set Mukashi otoku, “Once There Was a Man,” illustrating episodes from the Ise monogatari. Mizue prints were produced in almost translucent washes without a black outline and had a vogue around 1762-1764 bridging the gap between two and three colour printing and full polychrome printing pioneered by Harunobu. This is only one of two designs surviving from the set. For another impression see The Harunobu Decade, David Waterhouse, Hotei publishing, 2013, no. 24, p. 54 (where the birds are not visible, but Waterhouse surmises [correctly] that they are there). Unidentified publisher’s seal c 1762-64. Rare.
Very good impression. Possibly the waves and other small areas were printed using the dayflower which was notorious for rapidly fading to a puce colour when exposed to light and moisture. In fact, there are very few mizue prints extant where the fugitive pigment is still visible. Otherwise very good colour and condition. Signed Harunobu ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Suzuki HARUNOBU
Click
here to view image full size.
Click
here to view image full size.
Click
here to view image full size.
Click
here to view image full size.
An original 1815 two-sided woodblock carved from cherry wood (yamazakuro), 16 x 8.75 in; 40.5 x 22.25 cm, for the book: Ehon joruri zekku, “Picture Book with Mixed Verses on Joruri.” Four illustrations for pages 17 and 11. The book pairs scenes from popular puppet and kabuki plays with classical Chinese poetry provided by Hokusai’s pupil Hokutei Bokusen. Sold together with: A) An early edition of the book complete published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Edo and Matsuya Zembei, Nagoya, 1815. In good condition with original covers and title-slip. (57 images). B) A later but still Edo period printing copy published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Edo and Matsuya Zembei, Nagoya. On thick paper with bad wormage. Missing original covers. (54 images). C) A post 1868 two volume coloured edition published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Edo and Matsuya Zembei, Nagoya.
Good condition with original covers and title-slips. (56 images). D) Modern pulls from both sides of the block made by Paul Binney. Block sold “as is” with all imperfections. An excellent study group.
Status:Available
Price: £4,800
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
Tags: Available, Books, Katsushika HOKUSAI
Click here to view image full size.
An hosoban showing Ichikawa Danjuro V as a samurai kneeling in front of a wooden water tub. Published c 1774.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing and soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Actors, Available, Katsukawa SHUNSHO
Click here to view image full size.
A chuban from the set Byu Suikoden, “Beauty and Valour in the Novel Suikoden.” An adaption of the classic Chinese Water Margin novel. Shows the revengeful Lady Shiranui driving nails into the crucified body of Mutota. Published by Omiya Kyujiro (Kinkyu) 1866-67 (this being 1867). A fine set of 50 prints.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Price:£900
Tags: Available, Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI, Warriors and Legends
Click here to view image full size.
A chuban from the set Byu Suikoden, “Beauty and Valour in the Novel Suikoden.” An adaption of the classic Chinese Water Margin novel. Shows Inura Kobungo Yasuyori subduing a giant boar in order to save a hunter (seen far left). He wears a green costume with a dog motif (he was one of the 8 Dog Heroes [Hakkenden]). Published by Omiya Kyujiro (Kinkyu) 1866-67 (this being 1866). A fine set of 50 prints.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £850
Tags: Available, Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI, Warriors and Legends
Click here to view image full size.
Toto Sukiyagashi, “Riverbank at Sukiya in Edo,” from the set Fugaku sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” Shows the snowy banks of the moat around Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace) with Mount Fuji in the distance. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo (Koeido), 1858.
Very fine early impression. Fine colour. Minimal soil bottom right margin. Large margins. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status:
Available
Price: £8,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
Rokuju yoshu meisho zue: Hoki, Ono, Daisen enbo, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces: Hoki [Province], Ono, Distant View of Mount Daisen [Oyama].” Shows peasants planting rice in the foreground in heavy rain. One of the best designs from the set. This is the second state of the first edition which has a diagonal band on the sub-cartouche. The first state has slight gradation on the bank on the bottom of the design. The third state has the rain printed in sumi. Subsequent editions have a darker sky and lose the diagonal band. Published by Koshimura-ya Heisuke (Koshi-Hei).
Fine impression and colour, the rain printed with gofun. Very light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
A large carp windsock (koinobori) fills the image floating above the Kanda River. One of the best designs from Meisho Edo hyakkei: Suidobashi Surugadai, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Suido Bridge and Surugadai.” These streamers and images of Shoki are flown on Boys’ Day (Tango no Sekku) being the 5th day of the 5th month. The tradition was originally exclusive to samurai households who had a male heir but eventually spread to the rest of the population. The carp (koi) was chosen because of its ability to swim upstream representing courage and determination hopefully imbuing male sons with strength and good health. The design has always been admired but has become even more popular in recent years. Published by Sakanaya Eikichi (Uoei) between 1856-1859 (this being 1857).
Fine impression and colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £8,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
Sanuki Zozuzan, “Elephant-head Mountain in Sanuki [Province]” from a set Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Seas.” The title is in a traditional sumo umpire’s fan (the gunbai) top right. A set of 20 prints: 10 of mountains, 10 of sea harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro (Kinkyodo) in 1858.
Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with variegated cartouche. Slight centre fold and very small marks in top margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
Etchu Tateyama, “Tateyama in Etchu [Province]” from a set Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Seas.” The title is in a traditional sumo umpire’s fan (the gunbai) top right. A set of 20 prints: 10 of mountains, 10 of sea harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro (Kinkyodo) in 1858. A mountainous region famous for its hiking trails and hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. The smoke from some seen here rising in juxtaposition to the mountain peaks.
Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with variegated cartouche. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
The Yoro Waterfall, Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The 32 meters fall cascades down from Mount Tado. Legend has it that the water had rejuvenating properties with the Empress Gensho (A.D.683-748) having visited and likening the taste to that of sake. A cider, Yoro Sanroku, is produced here. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke (Kohei), 1853-56, this being 1853. Numerous states exist of this design with colour variations and differences in gradation. Primarily the colouring of the fall changes: Some impressions have the waterfall completely blue, which obscures the blind-printing, while others, as here, have edge gradation only.
Fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Slight fading and toning in margins, otherwise very good condition. Very large borders. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
Click here to view image full size.
Meisho hakkei: Oyama yau, “Eight Celebrated Views: Night Rain at Oyama” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Juzan Fudo yori chojo no zu, “View of the Peak from Fudo.” Shows Mount Oyama in heavy rain with the Oyama-dera Temple dedicated to the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo. Mount Fuji is seen in the distance. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). Is in unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem; certainly, with this design, the cursive script edition has superior gradation. However, comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point. One of the great 19th century landscapes.
Fine impression. Fine colour with the title cartouche still retaining some purple which is famous for fading to a puce colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £18,000
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
Click here to view image full size.
Meisho hakkei: Kamakura bansho, “Eight Celebrated Views: Evening Bell at Kamakura” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Tsurugaoka yori Boshu yama no kei, “View of the Mountains of Awa Province from Tsurugaoka.” Shows the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). Is in unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche perfectly retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
Click here to view image full size.
Meisho hakkei: Enoshima seiran “Eight Celebrated Views: Clearing Weather at Enoshima” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Koyurugi no iso Morokoshi ga hara “Koyurugi Strand and Morokoshi Plain.” Shows a view of the famous island from Shichiri Beach and Mount Fuji in the distance. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche (as here), the other with cursive script. It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
Click here to view image full size.
Meisho hakkei: Fuji bosetsu, “Eight Celebrated Views: Evening Snow on Mount Fuji” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Shimo Sengen atomiya nakamiya zenzu, “Complete View of the Inner and Middle Shrines at Shimo Sengen.” A majestic Fuji towers over the shrines. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
Click here to view image full size.
Meisho hakkei: Miho rakugan “Eight Celebrated Views: Returning Geese at Miho” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Suruga Kiyomidera Yoshiwara enkei, “Distant View of Yoshiwara Station and Kiyomi Temple in Suruga Province.” A blind-printed Mount Fuji is seen on the horizon. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £5,500
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
Click here to view image full size.
“Flood” from a set Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows the actor Nakamura Shikan IV as the hero Abe Bungo no Kami battling the flooded Sumida River to ascertain the damage done. Sometimes the scene depicts Hirata Danemon, his retainer, fording the river or accompanying Abe Bungo. Published by Yorozuya Magobei (Kineido), 1876. A fine design.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,580
Tags: Available, Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI, Warriors and Legends
Click here to view image full size.
The actor Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Shirataki no Sakichi from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. He is depicted, heavily tattooed, clutching a pole in a swirling flood. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression with splashed gofun. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA II
Click here to view image full size.
The actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Danshichi Kurobei from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. He is depicted, heavily tattooed, washing off the blood after killing his father-in-law Mikawaya Giheiji. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression with mokume-zuri on the bucket. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
Click here to view image full size.
The actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Kenkaya Gorokichi from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
Click here to view image full size.
The actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Asahina Tobei from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a
Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. Shows Tobei having murdered his blind stepbrother in a thunderstorm. He was famous for his incredible strength and was supposedly the son of the great warrior Asahina Yoshihide. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £980
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
Click here to view image full size.
The actor Matsumoto Koshiro V as Hige no Ikyu from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. Ikyu was known as the “Whiskered Ikyu” because of his exaggerated facial hair. He was the rival of Sukeroku and owned a sword tomokirimaru which Sukeroku covoted This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression with fine blind-printing on the hair. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Slight soil on the hair, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £980
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
Click here to view image full size.
Two beauties getting ready for bed. One is seen behind a bamboo screen while the other approaches holding a bunch of tapers, one of which is lit. From a set: Mutamagawa tsuki mayuzumi, “Six Jewel Rivers: Blackened Eyebrows.” This refers to the practice of geisha to shave their eyebrows and paint new ones higher up on the forehead. This contrasted with the traditional white face makeup they wore. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), c 1810s. Probably Utamaro II’s best set.
Very good impression. Slight fading and minor soil and creasing, otherwise good condition. Full size. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,500
Tags: Available, Beauties, Kitagawa UTAMARO II
Click here to view image full size.
A beauty from a set Bijin gosekku, “Fashionable Beauties Associated with the Five Festivals.” This being the Chrysanthemum Festival on the 9th September. Unidentified publisher, c late 1820s.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight creasing and signs of mounting au verso, otherwise good condition. Signed Eizan hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,480
Tags: Available, Beauties, Kikugawa EIZAN
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych: Bunji yonen Minamoto Yoshitsune Sesshu Daimotsu no ura nanpu no zu. Shows the vengeful drowned spirits of the Taira clan, defeated in the battle of Dan-no-ura, seeking retribution. The ghoulish samurai rise from the sea led by Taira no Tomomori (far left) and attack the ship carrying their old adversary Minamoto no Yoshitsune (seen in the centre of the first sheet). The reprisal happens during a storm in Daimotsu Bay in Settsu Province in 1188. The ship is saved and the aquatic army repelled by the intervention of Saito Musashito Benkei, the warrior-monk, who is seen on the prow of the vessel chanting incantations while holding his prayer beads. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1847-48.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichimosai Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Tags: Available, Utagawa YOSHITORA, Warriors and Legends
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych showing three of the prominent samurai commanders in the Taira army in the battle of Ishibashiyama on September 14th1180: Oba (Mataro) Kagehisa (far left), Oba Kagechika (centre), Kajiwara Kagetoki (far right, who in fact defected and spied for Yoritomo). The Taira crushed the Minamoto under the command of Minamoto no Yoritomo because of superior numbers although Yoritomo survived. The battle took place on the slopes of Mount Ishibashi near present day Odawara. Published by Yamamoto Kyubei (Eikyudo), who became Yamamoto Heikichi, c 1810-14. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Album backing and several very small backed pin holes. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Utagawa TOYOKUNI I, Warriors and Legends
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych Harugeshiki musume dochu sanmai Tsuzuki, “A Young Lady and her Maids Being Transported Across the River in Spring.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), c 1814.
Fine impression and colour. Lightly toned. Extremely large margins. Signed Kuninao ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,000
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa KUNINAO
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych of a legendary revenge story: Kiyomori nyudo Nunobiki no taki yuran Akugenta Yoshihira no nei Nanba Jiro o utsu. Shows the ghost of Akugenta Yoshihira, on the centre sheet, appearing in a thundercloud and sending down a lightning bolt to kill Nanba Jiro. Eight years previously Akugenta had been executed by Nanba Jiro after a military defeat in 1160. However, before he dies, he swears that he will come back and kill Nanba Jiro with a lightning bolt. This comes true when Nanba Jiro and Taira no Kiyomori are visiting the Nunobiki Waterfall. Kiyomori is seen on the left sheet witnessing the event. Published by Moriya Jihei (Kinshodo), 1861.
Very fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Kunichika ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Toyohara KUNICHIKA, Warriors and Legends
