Eishosai CHOKI (Active c. 1781-1813)



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A yellow ground aiban showing the high-ranking courtesan Hinazuru of the Chojiya House with her two kamuro Tsuruji and Tsuruno. Little is known of his life: Probably a pupil, together with Utamaro, of the artist Toriyama Sekien. His output was limited, leaving a small corpus of work, but some acknowledged masterpieces. Signed with two go: Choki, in the style of Kiyonaga, and Shiko in the style of Utamaro. Published by Murataya Jirobei (Eiyudo) c. 1795.

 
 

Fine impression. Very good colour. Centre fold only evident au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Choki ga.

 
 

Status: Available

 
 

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    Ikkansai EISHO (Fl. early 19th c.)



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    A portrait of the wrestler Kuroyanagi Matsujiro, ring name Kumagatake Inosuke. Eisho was a pupil of Eishi. Published c. 1820s by Uoya Eikichi.

     

    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Shunsai Eisho ga.

     

    Status: Sold

     

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      Chokosai EISHO (Active 1780-1800)



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      The courtesans Hinazuru, Origiku and Misayama of the Chojiya House. The most prolific of Eishi’s pupils who produced some outstanding bust portraits. Published by Yamaguchiya Chusuke, c late 1790’s. Another impression is in the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, acc. no. 1984.215.

      Very good impression and colour. There is a variant impression with different colours. Slight soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Eisho ga.

      Status: Sold

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        Chokosai EISHO (active 1790s)



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        An aiban showing the seated courtesan Somenosuke of Matsubaya reading a hand scroll. From the set Kakuchu bijin-kisoi, “Three Patron Saints of Poetry in the Gay Quarters.” Eisho was the most successful of Eishi’s pupils. Published c 1790s by Yamaguchi Chusuke. Another from the set illustrated in A Treasury of Japanese Wood Block Prints, Sadao Kikuchi, no 694. Illustrated in Ukiyo-e Taikei, vol. 6, no. 216.

        Very good impression and colour. Thinned area top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Eisho ga.

        Status: Sold

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          Eishosai CHOKI (Active c 1780–1810)



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          An elegant young entertainer beside her samisen box. Top left is a ballad that she presumably sang. While producing some mundane work, Choki also designed some of the most exquisite ukiyoe. Extremely rare: Another impression is illustrated in the Catalogue of Inaugural Exhibition of Riccar Art Museum, no. 42 and a second example is in the Tokyo National Museum, illustrated in A Treasury Of Japanese Wood Block Prints, Sadao Kikuchi, 1968, no. 640. Published by Tsuruya Kiemon, c 1795. Ex collection Walter von Scheven, 1878 – 1950, and purchased by him at Alfred Kappes, Ludwigshafen in 1925.

          Fine impression. Very slight fading and minor fold marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Choki ga.

          Status: Sold

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            Eishosai CHOKI (Fl. c 1756-1808)


            Eishosai-CHOKI-fl-c-1756-to-1808-beauties35

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            The lovers Okiku and Yosuke play cat’s cradle. ( A children’s game in which two players alternately take from each other’s fingers an intertwined cord so as always to produce a symmetrical figure.) Published c 1804 by Takatsuya Isuke. A similar print with same signature and publisher is illustrated in Sadao Kikuchi, A Treasury of Japanese Wood Block Prints, 1963, ill. No. 644 ( from the Tokyo National Museum ). I cannot, at the present moment, locate another impression of this design. Choki prints are rare and his finest designs are the most prized possessions of any collection. Ex collection Sidney C. Ward.

            Very good impression with extremely good colour. Light grey ground. The cutting and colouring of the pattern on the boy’s kimono is particularly fine. Minor creases, otherwise extremely good condition. On heavy hosho. Signed [ Momogawa ] Shiko ga.

            Status: Sold

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              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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              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.

               
               

              Very good impression with blind-printing on the waterfall. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

               
               

              Status: Available

               
               

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                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                Station Hakone from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Hakone, yonaka taimatsu tori, “Hakone, Travelling with Pine Torches at Night.” Porters lighting the way for a palanquin with firebrands on a mountain path. A beautiful design.

                 
                 

                Very fine impression with strong woodgrain. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                 
                 

                Status: Available

                 
                 

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                  Station Numazu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. An impressive view of Mount Fuji seen from the plains of Suruga. The village of Numazu is seen on the right amongst the trees.

                   
                   

                  Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                   
                   

                  Status: Available

                   
                   

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                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                    Station Hara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A huge Mount Fuji towers over the landscape emphasized by the diminutive travellers in the foreground.

                     
                     

                    Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                     
                     

                    Status: Available

                     
                     

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                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                      Station Okitsu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. The Kiyomi Barrier and Seiken Temple near Okitsu.

                       
                       

                      Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                       
                       

                      Status: Available

                       
                       

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                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                        Station Ejiri from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Located on the west side of Suruga Bay, close to the famous beauty spot of Miho no Matsubara.

                         
                         

                        Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                         
                         

                        Status: Available

                         
                         

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                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                          Station Fuchu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A night scene with travellers arriving at an inn. This was the largest post town on the Tokaido and served as the castle town for Sumpu Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa clan.

                           
                           

                          Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                           
                           

                          Status: Available

                           
                           

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                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                            Station Kanbara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Kanbara, Fujikawa funawatashi, “Kanbara, Ferryboat on the Fuji River.”

                             
                             

                            Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                             
                             

                            Status: Available

                             
                             

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                              Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                              Jakko Nunobiki no taki, “The Hanging Cloth Waterfall at Jakko Shrine.” So-called because it falls in seven-tiers. The shrine is seen below the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                               
                               

                              Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                               
                               

                              Status: Available

                               
                               

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                                Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                The Kirifuri waterfall, Kirifuri no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “The Falling Mist Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” A group of travellers admire the fall from below. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                                 
                                 

                                Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Very good colour and condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                                 
                                 

                                Status: Available

                                 
                                 

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                                  Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                  Somen no taki, “The Wheat Noodle Waterfall.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.”Two travellers admire the fall from below. On a ledge above them is a stone statue of Jizo Bosatsu, the deity of travellers. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                                   
                                   

                                  Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                                   
                                   

                                  Status: Available

                                   
                                   

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                                    Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                    Kegon no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “ The Kegon Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Three travellers rather precariously perched on a ledge looking down at the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                                     
                                     

                                    Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                                     
                                     

                                    Status: Available

                                     
                                     

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                                      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                      A triptych showing horse racing in Tokyo. Tokyo Shokonsha [the original name of the Yasukuni Shrine] naigaijin keiba no zu, “Horse Racing for Foreigners and Japanese in Shokonsha Tokyo.” From Tokyo kaika kyoga meisho, “Comic Pictures of Civilised Tokyo.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin) 1871. The first Western-style horse racing was established by – mainly British – residents in the form of the Yokohama Race Club in 1862.

                                       
                                       

                                      Fine impression: Later states lack the wood-pattern background on the title panel. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Keisai Yoshitoshi.

                                       
                                       

                                      Status: Available

                                       
                                       

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                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                        Seki from a Tokaido set published by Maruya Seijiro, 1850-51, hence it is often referred to as the Marusei Tokaido. Also known as the Reisho Tokaido because the title “Tokaido” is written in formal script. Below is the station number 48. Seki was located where the two highways of Tokaido and Ise-ji meet. Seki means “barrier checkpoint.” Figures pass beneath a torii gate on a snowy hillside.

                                         
                                         

                                        Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                         
                                         

                                        Status: Available

                                         
                                         

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                                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                          The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Shibuya Konnomaru Masatoshi from a set Edo meisho zue, “Famous Places of Edo.” This being Shibuya. Published by Iseya Chusuke 1852.

                                           
                                           

                                          Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                           
                                           

                                          Status: Available

                                           
                                           

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                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                            Sumidagawa hazakura no kei, “Cherry Trees along the Sumida River” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first landscape set. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the design. These were removed on later editions. There are also variant states with different shading. Rare.

                                             
                                             

                                            Fine impression and colour. Backed, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)

                                             
                                             

                                            Status: Available

                                             
                                             

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                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                              Shimotsuke Nikkosan urami no taki, “Back-viewed Waterfall on Mt. Nikko in Shimotsuke [Province].” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Figures gaze up at the back of the waterfall which thunders over the path. It is also known with variant colour schemes. Fine design.

                                               
                                               

                                              Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                               
                                               

                                              Status: Available

                                               
                                               

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                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Status: Available

                                                 
                                                 

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                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                  Mino Ochiai-bashi. Mino (Noshu) Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). An evening rain scene with figures making their way across the torrential Chitose River, famous for its fishing.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Status: Available

                                                   
                                                   

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                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                    Iyo Province, Saijo. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A large furled sail in the foreground with Saiju village on the water’s edge. Beyond is Mt. Ishizuchi.

                                                    Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                    Status: Available

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                      Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.” Travellers caught in heavy wind and rain in the valley. Hiroshige II also produced an excellent version of this design. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by b Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing and very small wormhole at extreme edge of margin, top left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Status: Available

                                                       
                                                       

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                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)



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                                                        Nikko Shimofuri no taki, “Shimofuri Waterfall in Nikko” from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1859).

                                                         
                                                         

                                                        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                         
                                                         

                                                        Status: Available

                                                         
                                                         

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                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                          Fuchu from The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido published by Marusei, Maruya Seijiro, 1847-52. Called the Reisho Tokaido because of the angular style of Kanji used. Travellers coming and going at the entrance to the station. One of the best designs from the set. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection with seal below title cartouche.

                                                           
                                                           

                                                          Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                           
                                                           

                                                          Status: Available

                                                           
                                                           

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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                            A view of a smoking Mt Asama, Shinano Province, from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” Mt Asama is an active volcano which violently erupted in 1108. Subsequently there was another eruption in 1783 and since then there have been minor tremors. Published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1859).

                                                             

                                                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                             

                                                            Status: Available

                                                             

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                                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                              One of a set: Edo Murasaki meisho Genji, “Murasaki’s Genji in Famous Places of Edo.” Mitate Ukifune Sumidagawa no watashi, “A Parody of Ukifune Crossing the Sumida River.” Shows a beauty on a ferry crossing the Sumida River in heavy snow, representing Ukifune, one of the court ladies of the Genji Monogatari. Stylised clouds above and below copying the traditional kiri-gane gold found on Yamato-e scrolls. These Genji pictures were popular at this time to circumvent the reforms of 1842. Published by Kinseido (his seal also appearing on the umbrella bottom right). Rare.

                                                              Fine impression. Very good colour. Lower margin trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                              Status: Available

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                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                Tango, Ama no hashidate, “Tango [Province], Ama no hashidata” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zu, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke in 1853-56 (this being 1853). Shows the “Heaven’s Bridge” peninsula of pine trees extending into Miyazu Bay. One of the Nihon sankei, “Three Famous Views of Japan.”
                                                                ga.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Very good impression and colour. (The success of this print depends entirely on the bokashi clouds wiped across the design: Impressions vary depending on the dexterity of the printer.) Margins trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Status: Available

                                                                 
                                                                 

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                                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                  Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the wisteria which flowered in the fifth month. The main shrine is dedicated to the memory of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), the father of Japanese learning and built in 1662. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.

                                                                   
                                                                   

                                                                  Fine impression and colour. Probably the earliest printing. Slight trimming on right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                   
                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Available

                                                                   
                                                                   

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                                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                    Omi, Biwako Ishiyamadera, “Ishiyama Temple and Lake Biwa in Omi [Province].”From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Moonlight on Lake Biwa is one of the iconic Eight Views of Omi.

                                                                     

                                                                    Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Available

                                                                     

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                                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                      Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A red bridge spans a gorge leading to the Buddhist Haruna shrine. Below is a fast flowing river with precipitous cliffs. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky and in the distance is the dormant volcano Mount Haruna.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Good impression and colour. Slight soil on bottom left margin, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Available

                                                                       
                                                                       

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                                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                        Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.”A high wind and rain in the valley with a man on a raft on the Yoshi River. Other figures in the foreground, one having lost his hat. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                                         
                                                                         

                                                                        Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                         
                                                                         

                                                                        Status: Available

                                                                         
                                                                         

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                                                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                                          The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from an unfinished set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces” published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1860). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.

                                                                           

                                                                          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                           

                                                                          Status: Available

                                                                           

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                                                                            Hosoda EISHI (1736-1829)




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                                                                            An original painting, sumi and colour on silk, 33.25 x 12 in; 84.5 x 30.5 cms. Shows a parading oiran, a high class courtesan, beneath falling cherry blossom. A parade was held every April in the Yoshiwara under the spring cherry blossom. Her costume is decorated with a large golden koi swimming amongst water weeds. An elegant and refined painting of great delicacy typical of this painter who was of unusually high rank for an Ukiyo-e artist. His prints – usually of beauties – are equally elegant. He also had a considerable number of pupils, including Eisho, Eiri and Eisui who produced some exceptional compositions. Probably painted around 1795-1804.

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                            Mount with some minor damage; painted area in very good condition. Signed Chobunsai Eishi hitsu with Eishi seal.

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                            Status: Available

                                                                             

                                                                             




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                                                                              Utagawa SADAHIDE (1807-1873)



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                                                                              An uncut fan print showing a bust portrait of a courtesan. Shin Yoshiwara from a set Toto meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital.” The original Yoshiwara district was burned down in the great fire of Meireki in 1657 and rebuilt in the new location north of Asakusa.

                                                                               

                                                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Sadahide ga.

                                                                               

                                                                              Status: Sold

                                                                               

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                                                                                Utgawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                                                An uncut fan print from a set of views of Ise: Ise meisho, Asakumayama toge no chamise, “Teahouses on the Mount Asakuma Pass, Famous Places of Ise Province.” Hiroshige used this same view about a decade later for no.7 from the set The Sixty-odd Provinces. He cleverly uses the cliff sides to wrap around the uchiwa-e shape. Published c.1840. Extremely rare: This actual impression illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwa-e, Unsodo, 2010, p.78, pl.108. Ex collection Maroni with seal at bottom. (His collection was sold at public auction at Kende Galleries, N.Y. 1947-9.)

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Centre fold (as often), otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Sold

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