Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Aigo Gozayemon Hisamitsu (Haigo Gozaemon Hisamitsu) mounted and armoured (less helmet) in battle levelling his long spear. He was a retainer of the Oda family and served under Shibata Katsuiye. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 43) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.1. One of the best designs from the set.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Negoro- no Komizucha (Negoro-no Komizucha) dressed as a warrior-monk fighting with a long nail-studded club (a tetsubo) and a broken naginata. Swords and arrows fly about him.. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki […]
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Captain Kani Ichita who, because he was suffering from dysentery, broke down 100 yards from the assault on Two Dragon Hill at the siege of Port Arthur in the Russo-Japanese war ( 1/8/1904-2/1/1905 ). Not able to forgive his weakness, he went back to the same spot […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Fukishima Masamori (Fukushima Masanori) in armour struggling with three assailants. He was the son of a cooper in the province of Owari. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords […]
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
Click here to view image full size. Lieutenant Mitsutani on horseback in swirling smoke. From a set Rikukaigunjin komei kagami, “Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes.” Published by Inoue Kichijiro 1895. I have been unable to get any information on this hero. For whatever reason, a rare set. Fine design. Fine impression and colour. Signs […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Akashi Ridayu Hidemoto (Akashi Gidayu Tadamasu) with a peasants’ straw raincoat over his armour and armed with a hoe. On one occasion, together with Shioren Sajima, he commanded a force of men dressed as farmerts. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The demon Ibaraki of Rashomon ( a gate south of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto ) visits Watanabe no Tsuna disguised as an old woman to retrieve its severed arm. This famous story relates how Watanabe cut off the arm after camping out at the gate to rid […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Edo Ryogokubashi noryo no yakei, “View of an Evening Cooling Off at the Ryogoku Bridge, Edo.” Shows a multitude of boats beneath the bridge, fireworks above. Published c 1829. Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Eisen ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Shinba ren Uogashi ren Ichikawa Sansho e kore o okuru. Of the utmost rarity: A large surimono commissioned by the Shinba and Uogashi poetry clubs of Nihonbashi to commemorate the kabuki actor Ichikawa Sansho. Sansho was one of the haigo (poetry name’s) of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII (1823-54). This […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Roba kiwan o mochisaru zu, the best design from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889. The well-known story relates how Watanabe no Tsuna cuts off the arm of the demon Ibaraki near the Rashomon Gate in Kyoto in 976. Watanabe […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Inuzaka Keno Tanetomo struggling with four adversaries from Kyokutei-o seicho Hakkenshi zui-ichi, “The One and Only Eight Dog History of Old Kyokutei [Bakin], Best of Refined Authors.” The set of eight prints form diptychs and are based on Bakin’s (1767-1848) famous novel Satomi Hakkenden, “Eight Dogs of the […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Takagi Umanosuke, a seven foot tall Jujutsu master, holding a trial of courage with a giant ghost in an ancient temple. He also mastered the arts of Bojutsu (staff), Sojutsu (spear), and Naginarajutsu (halberd). One of the best designs from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Hohodemi Mikoto battling a giant bream to regain the magic fish hook. The best design from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 (this being 1867). He eventually marries the Sea God’s daughter Princess Toyotama. There is a later edition with the publisher’s name […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Daininbo Umegae o satsugai no zu, “Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae from the set Shinsen azuma nishiki-e, “New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures.” The set was based on episodes from kabuki drama although set in naturalistic surroundings. Published by Tsunashima Kamekichi between 1885-89 (this […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. Raiko and his four retainers: from left to right, Sakata no Kintoki, Usui no Sadamitsu, Watanabe no Tsuna and Urabe no Suyetake on Oyeyama, “Devil’s Mountain.” Shows Raiko having just decapitated the giant head of the demon Shuten-doji which then descended upon his helmet. Unidentified publisher, 1858. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Fushimi ojishin Momoyama goten no zu. Shows Kato Kiyomasa protecting Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the earthquake which destroyed the Fushimi castle two years after it was completed in 1594. Published by Fukase, 1885. Very fine impression, colour and condition with extra paper around. Signed Oju Taiso Yoshitoshi ga. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Ina-uye Daikuro Masatada (Inoue Daikuro Nagayoshi) in armour but without helmet, his sashimono adorned with a skull, about to discharge a huge gun. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Kido Takuzayemon Nagachika (Kido Sakuzaemon Norishige) on stone steps above a river attempting to prise open a metal grill. He was lord of the castle of Uda in Higo Province. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Orio Mosuke Yasuharu (Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu) in early youth overcoming a huge wild boar. A feat which caused Hideyoshi to take him into his service. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon (Saito Toshimitsu nyudo Ryuhon) in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. A still life surimono showing a right-eye flounder or flatfish, Karei, and a red bream, kaneme-tai. And small unidentified vegetables. Provenance: A slip from a catalogue on the back indicates that it comes from a Paris sale, probably early 20th century describing it as Limande et dorade. Hokkei […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The most gruesome of Yoshitoshi’s designs showing the old hag of the Lonely House about to eviscerate the pregnant woman hanging from the roof. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1885. Fine impression of the first edition. Little work has been done on the various states in this set […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The stern of a large sailing-junk and a smaller vessel infront. A poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura) from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets” published by Ebine c 1838. Depending which story one reads, either Takamura, who was a customs official for ships trading to and from […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The priest Nichiren calming a storm at Kakuda on his way to Sado Island by invoking the name of the Lotus Sutra (namu myoho rengekyo) which is shown written on the waves. From Koso goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren was the founder of the […]
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 the famous battle on Gojo Bridge between Ushiwaka Maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s childhood name) and Benkei. Yoshitsune is aided by Sojobo, King of the Tengu (white-bearded in the centre), and other yamabushi tengu. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1847-50. Robinson T194. Very fine impression and […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare uncut fan print: Kominato in Awa Province from Boso meisho, Famous Places in Awa, Kazusa and Shimosa Provinces. Shows beauties viewing the bay. Another impression illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwae, Hiroshige Fan Prints, Okuda, Atsuko, Unsodo, 2010, no 91, p 68 (plus two others from […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A long surimono showing a fan with an image of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Soga no Goro in the play Yanone, “The Arrow Head.” To the left a fan shape with a poem by Sansho VII (Ichikawa Danjuro VII) and irises. Extremely rare. This impression sold by me […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Mount Haruna in snow, Kozuke Province.One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The series published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 (this being 8/1853). Very good impression and colour. Margins trimmed a little, otherwise very good condition. […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing the Japanese Buddhist goddess Benten, as always with her lute, and a monkey and rat holding a scroll showing the short months (2,4,7,9,12) for the Rat year, 1828. Benten (Hindu: Saraswati) originates from India via China. She is also one of the Seven Gods of […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A complete setsugekka koban surimono-style set of triptychs: Snow, Moon, Flowers. Each triptych shows actors in the snow (from left: Matsumoto Koshiro V; Iwai Kumesaburo II; Ichikawa Danjuro VII); in moonlight (Iwai Shijaku I; Bando Mitsugoro III; Iwai Hanshiro V); and admiring the spring blossoms ( Onoe Kikugoro […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Zennojo, the filial son from Shinano Province, dreams of his father’s crimes and successfully prays for his recovery from illness. From the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It was republished by […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Torii Suheemon Katsutaka escaping the castle of Okudaira Nobumasa, which is being attacked by Takeda Katsuyori, in order get help from Tokugawa Ieyasu. From the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Kesa Gozen writing her last words before dying for her husband, the palace guard Minamoto Wataru from the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It was republished by Matsuki Heikichi with altered […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Hatsuhana’s long penance under the Tonozawa waterfall to aid her crippled husband “Hazari” Katsugoro who is intent on revenging his brother’s murder. Hatsuhana dies, Katsugoro is cured and kills his arch enemy near the waterfall. From the set Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Published by […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Returning boats at Yabase, Yabase kihan, from an upright Omi Hakkei set. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1857. Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Masaki yukibare no zu, “Clear Weather After Snow at Masaki” from a Toto Meisho, “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin c 1832-35. There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing Taira no Koremochi about to kill the female demon whose reflection he sees in a stream on Mount Togakushi in Shinano. The episode follows an excursion to view the autumn maples. He encounters a party of girls who invite him to join them to […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing Taira no Atsumori and Kumagai Naozane at the battle of Ichinotani in 1184. The story relates how Naozane cuts off the head of Atsumori but is overwhelmed by remorse because he looked so much like his son. Published by Matsui, Meiji 18, 1885. […]