Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

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Hisui and nadeshiko, kingfisher with pinks and iris from a set of ten chuban prints published c 1832. The first edition ( as here ) was published by and has the seal Eijudo. A later edition is known with combined manji and kiwame seal from different blocks ( some also printed on thin Chinese-style paper ), and there are also impressions extant without any seals which probably constitutes a third state. All impressions are rare and the first state excessively so. Indeed these prints are considered even rarer than the larger bird and flower set Hokusai designed c 1833. The printing and colour on the series comes close to surimono quality. One of the two or three best designs from the set. I have never catalogued this design before or seen another impression for sale. An impression of the second edition is illustrated in Vignier & Inada, 1912, pl. LXXXVII, no. 297. See Hokusai, Richard Lane, 1989, no. 161, p. 296 for a list of the complete set. Each print has a Chinese poem written in hiragana.

Very fine impression and colour. Minor marks and slight trimming, otherwise fine. Signed Zen Hokusai I-itsu hitsu.

Status: Sold