Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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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 fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this numbered 48) 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 S62.31. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine early impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling to left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
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. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1832 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Saigo Takamori yumei hosho. Shows the ghost of Marshall Takamori ( 1827 -1877 ) holding a petition. Best known as the leader of the Satsuma rebellion, which was finally quashed at Kagoshima on Sept. 24th 1877. Saigo was wounded in the leg and his faithful retainer, Beppu Shinsuke, […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Hatakeyama Shoji Shigetada wounded by soldiers of his Lord Hojo Tokimasa. One of the best designs from a fine set: Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors” published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883. This is the first edition with two red seals left margin, complete date with day, month and […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Hojo Tokimasa praying to a goddess in the sea. One of the best designs from a fine set: Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors” published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883. This is the first edition with two red seals left margin, complete date with day, month and year in […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Lu Ta ( Lu Chi Shen ) demolishing the gate of the temple of the Five-Crested Mountain. A Chinese captain, he accidentally killed a man and to escape death he became a priest at the temple. The abbot cut his hair and renamed him Lu Chi Shen, “Lu […]
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych Shijo-nawate nite Nanke no yeiyu taiteki wo. The last stand of the Kusunoki at Shijo-nawate under a hail of arrows in 1348. Right to left: Wada Shinbochi (Genshu), Kusunoki Masatsura, and Masatomo. Their blue demeaner indicates their imminent demise. Published 1857 by So-To (Sagamiya Tokichi). This […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. A poem by Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (954-974) from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c 1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poet […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. Kaido-maru (Kintoki) with his forest companion, a bear-cub, attacking a giant white monkey. The chubby Kintoki is always shown red-hued and wielding a giant axe. In this case he heaves a tree above his head. Published by Moritaya Hanzo, c 1827. Rare. Very good impression. Fine colour. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Suruga Satta no kaijo, “The Sea at Satta, Suruga Province” from Fuji sanjurokkei, “The Thirty-Six Views of Fuji.” The best design from the set published by Koeido (Tsutaya Kichizo), 4/1858. A huge wave breaks on the right releasing a flock of chidori. These birds were supposed to originate […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The Sanza Theatre, Saruwaka-cho showing women on the balcony of a tea-house overlooking the street from an oban set Edo Meisho of approx. 45 prints published by Yamada-ya, 1853 – 1858, half being published in 1853. This design published 1858. Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshiwara Station from a chuban Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set of 55 prints published by Iseya Rihei, c 1806. Unsigned but the original wrapper evidently had Hokusai’s signature. Two women, a man and boy press grapes. Fine impression. Extremely fine colour. One small repaired wormhole near […]
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 triptych showing Ushiwakamaru (the young Minamoto Yoshitsune) holding the spear of Ise Saburo Yoshimori as he and his compatriots pass over Yahagi Bridge. From a set of triptychs Bidan musha hakkei, “Eight Views from Fine Tales of Warriors.” This being Descending Geese at Yahagi Bridge. Published 2/1868 […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Kawaguchi no watashi Zenkoji, “Ferryboats to Zenkoji Temple at Kawaguchi” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1857) by Uoya Eikichi. This fine example of a first edition with the extra large margins has never been […]
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU II (active c 1824-1860)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono: Sono shichi – Nushi aru hana, “The Flower with an Owner.” Round 7 from a series Hana-awase, “A Flower Competition.” Usually a poetry competition to produce the best poems using different flowers, although in this instance the flowers are actually familiar terms incorporating the word “flower.” […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban landscape from a set of at least 30 prints: Miyako meisho no uchi, “Famous Places in the Capital [Kyoto].” This design, Shijo-bashi yori Nawate-dori Yamato-bashi o nozumo, “View from Shijo Bridge Towards Yamato Bridge at Nawate Street.” A fine set, inspired by Hiroshige, but not slavish […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban landscape from a set of at least 30 prints: Miyako meisho no uchi, “Famous Places in the Capital [Kyoto].” This design, Ryoan-ji yuki [no] akebono, “Snowy Dawn at Ryoan-ji Temple.” A fine set, inspired by Hiroshige, but not slavish copies and some excellent designs (as the […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban landscape from a set of at least 30 prints: Miyako meisho no uchi, “Famous Places in the Capital [Kyoto].” This design, Toganoo monzen uchu, “Temple Entrance at Toganoo in the Rain.” A fine set, inspired by Hiroshige, but not slavish copies and some excellent designs (as […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Mochizuki from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). Shows travellers on the Uryu […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. A view of Ama-no-hashidate, Tango Province, from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 10/1859). The place name can be translated as “Bridge to Heaven” and it’s considered to […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych: Honcho gito kurabe, “The Great Thieves of Japan, Compared.” Published by Iseki, 1865. Superb impression, colour and condition. Extensive mica and burnishing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga. Status: Sold