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 status:
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Torii
KIYONAGA ( 1752 – 1815 )
A fine actor design from a series of at least 31 such degatari prints (
showing singing or chanting at a theatre ). A scene from Shosa Hatsuhige
yakko tanzen, played at the Ichimura-za theatre, November 1783. Shows
Nakamura Nakazo as Tanzen seated with fan looking at Onoe Matsusuke as a
young lady ( in reality a white fox ). To the right Ichimura Uzaemon as a
yakko. The chanters Tomimoto Buzen-dayu and Tomimoto Itsuki-dayu at the back
accompanied by Namizaki Tokuji. Published by Nishimura 1783. See Hirano,
Kiyonaga, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, no. 544, pl. LXXX.
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise very good condition.
Full size. Signed Kiyonaga ga.
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 status:
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Katsukawa
SHUN’EI ( 1762 – 1819 )
An extremely rare yellow-ground aiban showing the actor Sawamura Sojuro III
in the role of Nagoya Sanza in the play Keisei sanbon karakasa performed at
the Miyako-za, 7/1794. In fact Shun’ei designed another print of the same
actor and role, see the Walter Amstutz collection, Sothebys, 1991, lot 98.
Shun’ei – the originator of the “Big Head” – was something of an eccentric
and a great lover of the theatre and sumo.
Fine impression with unfaded colour. Slight soil with small backed areas and
slight horizontal creases, but generally very good. Signed Shun’ei ga.
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 status:
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Utagawa
TOYOKUNI I ( 1769 – 1825 )
Shows Iwai Hanshiro IV as the wet nurse Masaoka and Sawamura Tozo as the
evil serving lady Yashio in the play Omiura date nebiki performed at the
Nakamura-za, 2/1799. Published by Eijudo. Light grey ground.
Fine impression, and condition. Perfect colour and completely untrimmed.
Signed Toyokuni ga.
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 status:
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Kinoshita
HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
A large head
oban print of the actor Onoe Shogyoku in an unknown role from a rare set:
Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.”
Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing,
gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine
impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed
Hironobu ga.
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 status:
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Ichiyosai
YOSHITAKI (1841-1899. Active c1854-1885)
A large head
oban print of the actor Nakamura Kanjaku II as Takeda Katsuyori (?) from a
rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous
Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive
burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these
embellishments.
Very fine
impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed
Yoshitaki hitsu.
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 status:
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Kinoshita
HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
A large head
oban print of the actor Otani Tomomatsu I as Yaegaki hime from a rare set:
Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.”
Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing,
gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine
impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed
Hironobu ga.
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 status:
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Kinoshita
HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
A large head
oban print of the actor Arashi Tokusaburo II ( or III [?] ) as Hangari on’na
from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous
Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive
burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these
embellishments.
Very fine
impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed
Hironobu ga.
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 status:
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Ichiyosai
YOSHITAKI (1841-1899. Active c1854-1885)
A large head
oban print of the actor Sancho Daisho (?) as the pirate Watonai ( Kokusenya,
Coxinga ) from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of
Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with
extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these
embellishments.
Very fine
impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed
Yoshitaki hitsu.
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 status:
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Kochoro
KUNISADA (1786-1865)
An original
wood block showing actors as Kuzunoha and Abe no Yasuna. Kuzunoha was the
fox wife of Yasuna and is usually depicted nursing her child or appearing as
a white fox giving Yasuna the key to her disappearance in a dream. Au verso
is an uninteresting design by Yoshifuji entitled Toita zukushi, a
“Collection of Sliding Doors.” Rare: Blocks of seasoned
wood had become expensive in the 19th century and old blocks were
often planed down to be reused by later artists/publishers. Important blocks
seldom come onto the market, and the few that do are invariably for later
copies. Most were reused and/or burnt and destroyed. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Publisher’s seal not read. Censors’ seals for 1849 – 53. Sold as is with
some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.
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 status:
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Utagawa
TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
A silver
mica-ground double bust portrait of Hikosaburo Bando III as Kan Shojo (
Sugawara Michizane ) disgraced and sent to Tsukushi, and Kataoka Nizaemon
VII as Hakudayu from the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara’s
Secrets of Calligraphy.” The play was written for the puppet theatre in 1746
and quickly adapted for Kabuki. Published by Yamaden, Kansei 8 ( 1796 ).
Extremely rare. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso.
Fine
impression. Perfect colour. Some slight loss of mica ( as per usual ) and a
slight centre fold. Signed Toyokuni ga.
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 status:
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Kochoro
KUNISADA (1786-1865)
An extremely
important original wood block. Shows the onnagata actor Onoe Kikugoro IV as
the chinohito, “wet-nurse,” Masaoka, in the play “Konoshita Masagono Date-zome,”
performed at the Ichimura Theatre, 9/1855. Designed for the late, fine set
of deluxe bust portaits published by Ebisuya Shoshichi ( except two )
between 1860 and 1869. There are also eleven designd by Yoshitora. The
culmination of Kunisada’s carrer. On the reverse of the block is a design by
Utagawa Kunitoshi ( 1847 – 99 ) with title Tokyo meisho Kaiunbashi dai-ichi
kokuritsu ginko, “First National Bank at Kaiun Bridge, Famous Views of
Tokyo.” Published Meiji 10 ( 1877 ) by Naraha Shutei. Signed Kunitoshi hitsu.
Blocks of seasoned wood had become expensive in the 19th century
and old blocks were often planed down to be reused by later
artists/publishers. Important blocks seldom come onto the market, and the
few that do are invariably for later copies. Most were reused and/or burnt
and destroyed. Signature Toyokuni ga with publisher’s seal Kinshodo and Sho;
carver’s seal choko Ryuzo and Aratame censor’s seal 3/1860. Sold as is with
some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.
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Kochoro KUNISADA (1786 –
1865)
A fine view of the inside of a
theatre with a performance taking place. The faces of the audience in the
stalls are carefully drawn and it’s obvious that many were meant to be
recognised. Published by Noshuya Yasubei, 1858. Rare.
Fine impression and colour.
Offsetting on last sheet and trimmed slightly on left. Other minor marks and
rubbing. Signed Ichiyosai Hinajishi Toyokuni ga.
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Toyohara KUNICHIKA
(1835-1900)
A vertical diptych showing Onoe
Kikugoro V as Nikki Danjo transforming himself by majic into a rat. In his
mouth the stolen will with which he was trying to strip Tsuru-chiyo of his
inheritance. Title of play: Meibuku Sendai hagi, “The Disputed Succession.”
Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Rare.
Fine
impression. Very good colour. Some burnishing. Slight offsetting and
oxidation. Retains original album backing. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
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Toyohara KUNICHIKA
(1835-1900)
A vertical diptych depicting the
story of the Inaba Apprentice. Title: Inaba ama-yobanashi. Shows Onoe
Kikugoro V as the ghost of Saijiro; Bando Kakitsu as Kanbara Mikinosuke and
Onoe Matsukuke as Nakama Gonbee. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887.
Extremely rare.
Fine
impression and colour. Hand-applied pigment to the head of the ghost. Some
silver and burnishing. Retains original album backing. Signed Oju Toyohara
Kunichika hitsu.
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status: available |
Toyohara KUNICHIKA
(1835-1900)
A vertical diptych showing the
actor Onoe Kikugoro V, dagger in hand and covered in blood, confronting a
giant serpent. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour.
Extensive mica applied to the serpent. Retains original album backing.
Signed Oju Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
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status: available |
Toyohara KUNICHIKA
(1835-1900)
A vertical diptych showing the
actors Ichikawa Danjuro as the teacher Kondo Tatsuo and Ichikawa Sadanji as
Mikura Tomizo. Title: Kishu no oki kisen chinbotsu no ba, “ Sunken Ship in
the Sea off Kishu Province.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, Meiji 20, 11th
month ( 1887 ).
Fine impression and colour.
Extensive mica and gofun applied. Retains original album backing. Signed Oju
Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
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status: sold |
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
An aiban bust portrait showing
Iwai Hanshiro IV in an onnagata role. Published by Yamaguchi Chusuke c 1794.
Another aiban okubi-e of the same actor in another onnagata role and of the
same date was published by Tsuruya Kiemon. A rare and fine design.
Fine impression. Very good
colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
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status: sold
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Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI
(1797-1861)
The complete set of five prints:
Date otoku kisho kurabe, “A contest of Fashionable Men.” Shows actors as
otokodate ( so-called chivalrous commoners, recognisable by the fact that
they carried a sword together with a shakuhachi [ bamboo flute ] showing
proficiency in the martial arts and music ). Published c 1847-1850 by Iseya
Ichibei.
Fine
impressions. Fine colour. Slight trimming and backed binding holes,
otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. |
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Katsukawa
SHUNKO (1743-1812)
Ichikawa
Yaozo III in a Shibaraku role c 1800. This standard Kabuki interlude was
invented by Danjuro I as part of the drama Sankai Nagoya in 1697 and
translates as “Wait a moment.” The long brick-red costume with the immense
mon produced some of the most striking images in ukiyo-e. The best of
Shunko’s work certainly equals that of his master and teacher, Shunsho.
Provenance: Ex collection Dr. and Mrs. James B. Austin, illustrated in Eight
Hundred Years Of Japanese Printmaking, Museum of Art, Carnegie Institute,
Pittsburgh, 1976/77, illustration 326, p.79.
Good
impression and colour. Slight centre fold and minor marks, otherwise very
good condition. Signed Shunko ga.
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status: available |
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
An
excessively rare triptych showing the interior of a large mansion where a
private performance of Kabuki interlude plays is being performed. Some of
the most famous actors of the day are shown: Bando Mitsugoro III, Iwai
Hanshiro V, and Ichikawa Danjuro VII. One of Hiroshige’s earliest prints
published c 1818-20 when Hiroshige was 22-24 years old. Two other
impressions appear to be known: The Tamba impression illustrated in The Art
of Hiroshige, Tsuneo Tamba, 1965, no.122, p.58; and the Suzuki copy
illustrated in Utagawa Hiroshige, Juzo Suzuki, 1970, no.86, which is the
impression shown in the Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, Number Eighteen,
Ukiyo-e Art, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968, no.1.
Good
impression and colour. Some small areas of expert restoration, otherwise
good condition. Signed “By special request” Hiroshige ga.
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status: available |
Utagawa
KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Shiragikumaru from the play Tsuruya Namboku riding the back of an enormous
prehistoric-looking sea animal. From the set: Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe,
"A Contest of Magic-scenes by Toyokuni" published by Hiranoya Shinzo
12/1864. One of the best designs from the set.
Superb deluxe impression with burnishing, mica, splashed gofun and
best-quality pigments. Perfect colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine.
On deluxe hosho. Signed Shichijuku-sai Toyokuni hitsu, "The seventy-nine
year old Toyokuni drew."
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 status:
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Torii KIYOMASU
I (Active c1700-1722)
The actor Nakamura Takesaburo playing a female itinerant tea vendor. A pair
of panniers is slung across his shoulders holding the paraphernalia for tea
making including, in the lower sections, a brazier and water jug. Published
c1716-20 by Sagamiya. Published in Yamaguchi and Asano ( 1982 ), Moronobu -
Harunobu, vol.6 of the Complete Dictionary of Ukiyo-e, Tokyo, Shogakukan,
pl.86, p.46. Probably the only known impression extant.
Very good impression with fine contemporary hand-colouring. Expertly
restored corners and areas at left and bottom edges. One repaired wormhole
beside the hand holding the bamboo rod. Signed Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
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 status:
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Ichieisai
YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
A print from a set of three with title: Sanshibai
mitate tako, “Parody of the Three Plays Shown as Kites”. Shows various kite
designs together with accoutrements to kite flying. The actors image/s
together with other clues gave the name of the play which would have been
obvious to the public at the time. Published 1862. Unidentified publisher.
The only time I have recorded this print.
Good impression and colour. Some soil and small
restorations, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
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 status:
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Ichieisai YOSH
ITSUYA (1822-1866)
A print from a set of three with title: Sanshibai
mitate tako, “Parody of the Three Plays Shown as Kites”. Shows various kite
designs together with accoutrements to kite flying. The actors image/s
together with other clues gave the name of the play which would have been
obvious to the public at the time. Published 1862. Unidentified publisher.
The only time I have recorded this print.
Good impression and colour. Some soil and small
restorations, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga. |
status: sold |
Katsukawa SHUN'EI (1762-1819)
The
actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Yasukata performing a vigorous hobby-horse
dance in Godai Genji mitsugi no furisode. Published by Tsuruya Kiemon
c1790-91. Ex Tamba collection (seal bottom right).
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Shun'ei ga.
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status: sold |
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
An
actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki.
"A Celebration of Gallantry". Firemen often had elaborate tattoos
to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865.
Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Extensive
burnishing. Gofun oxidised (as usual). Slight offsetting of blue pigment,
otherwise very good condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
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status: sold |
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
An
actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki.
"A Celebration of Gallantry". Firemen often had elaborate tattoos
to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865.
Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Gofun
oxidised (as usual). otherwise fine condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi
hitsu.
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status: sold |
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
An
actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki.
"A Celebration of Gallantry". Firemen often had elaborate tattoos
to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865.
Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Gofun
oxidised (as usual). otherwise fine condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi
hitsu.
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status: available |
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
The actors Ichimura Uzaemon IX and
Bando Matatoro IV (hand-written in sumi) grappling together. Published
c.1768. Not in Gookin.
Very good impression. Some fading.
Wonderful blue ground. Very good condition. Signed Shunsho ga with Hayashi
in jar-shaped outline seal.
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status: sold |
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
An actor in the onnagata role of Umegae. A
hosoban published by Tsurukin.
Very good impression, colour and condition.
Signed Shunko ga.
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status: sold |
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
A very rare complete hosoban actor triptych.
(invariably they get separated).
Very good impression, colour and condition.
Signed Shunko ga.
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