Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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A surimono showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Goro Tokimune holding the giant arrow prior to sharpening it on the large wetstone from the play Yanone Goro. From a series of surimono that paid tribute to the various generations of the Danjuro family. There are two versions of this set of surimono and some ambiguity as to which is the earlier. They are known with blank borders, lacking metallic pigments and signed Ko Toyokuni hitsu (except one design signed Toyokuni II and probably issued in 1833). The other, as here, is signed Toyokuni hitsu, has metallic pigments and the emblem of the Gogawa Poetry Club around the border. The poets were also changed for this issue. It seems that the first version was issued by the Danjuro Fan Club in 1825 and that the reissue, c 1830s, was by the Gogawa. One poem by Ryueishi. The finest design from the set.
Very fine impression with metallic pigments. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
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. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Cao Cao (Jap. Shuso) and Pang De (Jap. Hotoku) in the Han river during the battle with Guan Yu. From a set of Chinese warrior prints: Tsuzoku sangokushi eiyu no ichinin, “Heroes of the Popular History of the Three Kingdoms.” Published by Joshuya Kinzo, c. 1836. Robinson S10.8 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine chuban design showing Keyamura Rokusuke (aka Kida Magobee Muneharu), a famous farmer turned samurai and sumo wrestler of incredible strength, doing penance for seven days under the waterfall at Hikosan Gongen praying for his mother. Two Tengu watch from above. Waterfalls were one of the go-to-places […]
Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 x 16 in; 108 x 40.5 cms. His life is not well documented but he is known to have studied under the Kano artist Yamamoto Joshunsai (?-1781) before being drawn into Maruyama Okyo’s (1735-1795) artistic circle and his […]
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original Kyosai painting, full colour on paper, 51.5 x 21.5 in; 131 x 54.5 cms. Shows Otafuku being carried across a river on the back of a blue oni. They look down with consternation at a red oni who has fallen into the water spilling his […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. An amorous couple from an unsigned abuna-e (from abunai, risqué) set of twelve prints Keisai higo, “Secret Words of a Courtesan” published c. 1822-25. Although coming under the heading of shunga, each print is without any graphic details. She adjusts his hair with her hairpin while he smokes […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. The geisha Hinaogi of the Daikokuya preparing to play the koto. She is adjusting the tsume (plectra) on her fingers that were used to pluck the strings. The title is enigmatic: It reads Ka getsu kai, “Harbinger of Moon and Flower” and if the character for “moon” is […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Shoguntaro Taira Yoshikado (centre), his sister Takiyasha-hime (left), and Yoshikado’s retainer, Iga Jutaro, watching magic toads wrestling. Huge toads loom above them. Shogun Taro Yoshikado mikata wo atsumen ga tame etc. Takiyasha-hime was known for her toad magic which she had gained from a scroll […]
Utagawa YOSHITORA (1836-1887)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the warrior Inukai Genpachi (the famous character from the Hakkenden) confronting a cat monster which has emanated from a horse on Mount Koshin. Other cat monsters stare in amazement. Published by Kojimaya Jubei, 1850. Very fine impression. Fine colour. Imperceptible small binding holes, […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Sagami Jiro Taira no Masakado on horseback attacking an opponent and having cut his sword in two. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883. Very fine impression: This is the first edition with three-colour cartouche and small red […]
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
Click here to view image full size. 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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) […]
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 […]