Posts by Richard Kruml:
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
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An original painting, sumi and full colour on silk, 38 x 12.5 in; 96 x 32 cms. Settei produced many illustrated books but after around 1765 turned towards painting beauties, courtesans and geishas. They are of the utmost refinement – the faces and limbs often delineated in red and their costumes embellished with gold. Settei is also known for his elegant shunga. A beauty looks towards a weeping willow. Painted c 1770. In good condition with an elaborately stencilled and embroidered mount. Details picked out in gold.
Signed Hokkyo Tsukioka Settei dzu and sealed o’Shinten.
Status: Available
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Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and very light colour on paper, 52.5 x 20 in; 133.5 x 51 cms. Keibun studied with his older half-brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. At his best, the equal of Goshun. Noted for his kachoga, as here, showing a bird on […]
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757-1820)
Click here to view image full size. One of a series of surimono with title: Guncho gafu, “ Pictorial Record of a Swarm of Butterflies.” (In fact butterflies and moths.) Shunman is recognised as possibly the greatest designer of surimono and the prints from this set are amongst the most beautifully printed in this field. […]
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print showing two unidentified birds eating ripe pomegranites. Koryusai designed a considerable number of kacho prints in this chuban format. They are all rare. J. Hillier in his book A New Approach, G. Bell And Sons Ltd, 1960, p.74, states that “… kacho represent a sphere […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing, sumi on paper, 9 x 12 in; 23 x 30.5 cms. Neko ni kamibukuro, “cat in a paper bag.” A proverb: “to back away from something.” Slight foxing, otherwise good condition. Sealed Ichiryusai. Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto beside an engawa with a bird cage. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e […]
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator. […]
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator. […]
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator. […]
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator. […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
Click here to view image full size. Returning Geese at Miho: Kiyomizu Temple of Suruga Province with a Distant View of Yoshiwara from Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places.” A popular theme in Japanese art originating in China and the landscape of the Xiaoxiang region where the Xiao and Xiang rivers converge. Published c […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. 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. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Urawa Shuku Asamayama enbo, “Urawa Station, Distant View of Mount Asama” from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set was published by Hoeido and Kinjudo, 1834-1842. The first 23 (of 70) prints were designed by Eisen, the rest by Hiroshige. In the distance can […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The priest Nichiren standing on the rocky promontory at Reizan in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from […]
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806)
Click here to view image full size. A double-bust portrait of the famous courtesans Ariwara (bottom) and Usumizu of the Tsuruya House in the Yoshiwara, Edo. From a set Seiro yukun awase kagami, “Mirror of Courtesans of the Green Houses.” Published by Yamada, c 1797. Fine impression. Very good colour. Very slight trimming, […]
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806)
Click here to view image full size. A design from a set of six prints Furyu ko-dakara awase, “Elegant Comparisons of Little Treasures.” About to breastfeed (chichi). Published by Izumiya Ichibei, c 1802. Fine impression. Extremely well preserved colour. Very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu. Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A beauty washing in a large tub of water. Kiku,”Chrysanthemum” from a set Tosei hana kurabe, “Contest of Modern Flowers.”Beauties compared to flowers. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c 1820. This appears to be the earliest state with the beauty’s undergarment printed red which is lacking in other impressions. […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical double oban showing a woman holding a ruler and offering a small bolt of cloth with the other hand. From a set Atsurae ori jisei konomi, “Fabrics to Order in Current Taste.” Published by Yamashiroya Jinbei, c 1843-7. A rare design from a rare set, and […]
Torii KIYOTSUNE (Fl. c 1757-1779)
Click here to view image full size. A pillar print showing an amorous couple walking beside rice paddies. In the background a line of women plant rice. Kiyotsune was a pupil of Kiyomitsu and specialised in theatrical prints. Published c early 1770s. Rare. Fine impression. Exceptionally well retained colour. Very good condition. Signed […]
Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. A beauty, Ureshi so, “The Contented Type” from a set Imayo bijin junikei, “Twelve Views of Modern Beauties.” Above on a handscroll is a view of Fuji from Takanawa. She bites onto a tissue which has erotic connotations. Published c 1822-25 by Izumiya Ichibei. Fine impression […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo in his snowy garden about to cut his precious bonsai to provide kindling to cook a meal for an unexpected visitor. The guest, disguised as a monk, was in fact the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori (1226-1263) on an intelligence mission. He is shown peering […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Ichikawa Danzo IV as Shundo Jiroemon disguised as a beggar and Morita Kan’ya VIII as Takaichi Buemon in the Daianji Zutsumi scene from the play Katakiuchi tsuzure no nishiki, “The Vendetta in Patched-Brocade.” A fine grey-ground print published by Eijudo, 1798. Ichikawa Danzo IV had one of […]
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
Click here to view image full size. A fascinating triptych showing the backstage activities on the second floor of a kabuki theatre, Gakuya ni-kai no zu. Twenty-one actors are shown, mostly in their street clothes, together with assistants. However, on the right sheet can be seen an actor in full Shibaraku costume while the centre […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych with the title Mitate haruzumo futatsu chocho, “An Imaginary Spring Sumo Match with two Butterflies.” A parody of the famous Sumoba, “Sumo Scene” in the pay Futatsu chocho kuruwa nikki, “A Diary of two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarters.” Shows the actors Ichimura Kakitsu IV (left) […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. In heavy rain before a giant waterwheel are two actors: On the right Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as the commoner Doroku confronting Ichikawa Kuzo III as Sanpei from the play Sarayashiki kesho no sugatami, “The Mansion of Plates and the Cursed Makeup Mirror.” Published by Kagiya Shobei, 1863. […]
Katsukawa SHUNSHO II (Active 1818-1830)
Click here to view image full size. Minamoto no Yoshinaka Shitenno to tomoni Kiso no okuyama ni Tengu o taiji su, “Minamoto Yoshinaka and His Four Retainers Defeat the Tengu in the Deep Mountains of Kiso.” Minamoto no Yoshinaka is seen in the centre panel, Higuchi Kanemitsu on the right holding a sword and Imai […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych from a set Bidan musha hakkei, “Eight Views of Warriors’ Fine Tales.” This design Togakushi no seiran, “Clearing Weather of the Togakushi Mountains.” Princess Sarashina, who is actually a female oni called Momji, “Maple Leaves,” having transformed herself, is seen screaming from behind a giant drum […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet and monk Noin-hoshi from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). A group of travellers are caught in a torrential downpour. One of the best designs in […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
Hishikawa SORI (Active 1797-1813)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on silk, 43.25 x 14 in; 109.8 x 35.6 cms. An early pupil of Hokusai (who gave him his name Hishikawa Sori in 1798, it previously being Tawaraya). Generally referred to as Sori III. Produced a considerable number of small surimono – some […]
TORII School (c. late 1750’s)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on paper with gold additions, image size 30 x 10 in; 76 x 25.5 cms. Shows a beauty holding up a puppet of the actor Bando Hikosaburo II. Painted c. late 1750s and possibly by Torii Kiyomitsu. In good condition with seal Torii. […]
Kitagawa FUJIMARO (1790-1850)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 35.25 x 13.5 in; 89.5 x 34.5 cms. Fujimaro was a talented late pupil of Utamaro. More than a dozen paintings are recorded by him including an example in the Portland Art Museum, acc. number 69.51. His best-known work […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria. A rare and extremely unusual subject in Yoshitoshi’s canon of work. Koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan. The breeding of ornamental carp began in the 1820s. The outside world was unaware of the advances in breeding colour variations […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. A carp swimming among water-weed. The moon’s reflection in the blue water. There are various editions of this design: without the moon’s reflection; with and without the censor seal; with and without publisher’s seal; with and without currents in the water. Published by Ezakiya, c. 1843-6. Rare. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. 2 vols. complete: Kanjaku tsuizen hanashidori, “The Liberated Birds: A Memorial Book for Kanjaku.” A memorial book for the actor Nakamura Utaemon who died in 1852. He had the literary name of Kanjaku, meaning ”playing with sparrows” and the covers and many illustrations allude to this custom of […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Hokusai’s interpretation of a poem by Onakatomi no Yoshinobu Ason (921-991). From an unfinished set: Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, “Pictures of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse.” The poems are from an anthology Hyakunin isshu, “One Hundred People, One Poem Each” compiled […]
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
Click here to view image full size. Two volumes complete: Ehon haru no nishiki, “Picture Book: The Brocades of Spring.” Vol. 1: 1 page preface dated Kanoto U (1770); single page and 8 double page colour prints. Vol. 2: 1 single page and 8 double page colour prints. 1 page colophon with date, publisher, block-cutter […]