Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A rare vertical diptych showing the famous Daimyo Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578). He ruled Echigo Province and was known as a skillful administrator as well as warlord; also for his rivalry with Takeda Shingen who he fought at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima. Published by Jubei Yorozuya, 1846.
Fine impression and colour. Extensive mica applied to the headgear. Yellow ground. Very slight trimmimg at bottom, otherwise full size with ample room for joining. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi river in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also […]
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The Dragon Princess rising from the sea to the amazement of Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) and his court. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1861. Fine impression and colour. Very slightly trimmed, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga. Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing a scene during the siege of Nagashino Castle by Takeda Katsuyori. Torii Suneemon Katsutaka was sent to get help and managed to evade the guards. He insists on returning to his comrades but meanwhile Takeda has fastened bells to the cables on the castle’s exit […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The brothers Goro and Juro battling Kikko Kojiro and Aiko Saburo in the pouring rain. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Hakomaru (Soga no Goro) stands on top of a steep cliff holding a huge boulder. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Asahina Saburo tugging on Goro Tokimune’s armour. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A noblewoman is directed to the Soga shrine by a wood-gatherer. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Goro Tokimune comes across the wrestler Goromaru. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Onio and Dozaburo, the retainers of the Soga Brothers. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his […]
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
Click here to view image full size. Yamamoto Kansuke (Haruyuki) (1501-1561) overpowering a gigantic boar. Takeda Shingen’s most valuable general and one of the Takeda nijushi-sho, “Takeda’s Twenty-four [most trusted] Generals.” Kansuke was involved in a lengthy feud with Kenshin Tora and is killed in one of their skirmishes at Kawanakajima on 12 Oct. 1561. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Sukiya embankment in snow, Toto Sukiya-gashi, from Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The rampart on the inner side of the moat of Edo Castle on the right. Figures cross a bridge leading to Sukiya Gate. In the distance the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the Bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The cantilevered Monkey Bridge from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke 1853-6 (this being 1853). This bridge – one of the three most famous bridges in Japan – is situated in Otsuki and purports to be 1300 years old (albeit rebuilt […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Yoroi no watashi, “Yoroi Ferry” from the set Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Edo.” Published by Ai-To, 1862. Shows the laden ferry crossing in heavy snow. The Koami-cho warehouses on the right. Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Taira no Tadamori (1096-1153) grappling with the oil thief from a set: Honcho komei kagami, “A Mirror of our Country’s Renowned Heroes.” Published by Joshuya Kinzi, c 1835. The story relates how the Emperor Shirakawa was perturbed by a monster in the precincts of the Mido Temple at […]
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono from a fine set of eight prints: Ichiyoren bunbo shiyu, “Four Companions of the Writing Studio for the Ichiyo Circle.” Issued c 1827 for the Ichiyoren poetry club. The set alternates Chinese and Japanese subjects with the literati tradition of brush, ink, inkstone and paper. In […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
Click here to view image full size. Takamatsu Naizen and Tateshina Danjo Masatada grappling during the Battle of Kawanakajima in the mid 16th century. They are heavily entwined in the red ribbons of the standards. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke in 1857. Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya. […]
Mori YOSHIYUKI ( 1835-1879 )
Click here to view image full size. Shows Hido Hachiro holding the decapitated head of an enemy from Honcho buyu kagami, “Mirror of our Country’s Military Elegance.” Yoshiyuki was a pupil of Yoshiume and designed the set A Hundred Views of Osaka. He moved to Tokyo in 1868. Published by Tsutaya, c 1868. Rare: The […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Yazama Shinroku Fujiwara Mitsukaze ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not known based on […]
Anonymous (1821)
Click here to view image full size. A still life from a set of six prints for the Iwagaki Club: Iwagaki-ren rokuhira no uchi. Shows a tobacco pouch, telescope and snake netsuke (for snake year 1821). There appear to be at least three states of this lovely surimono. Fine impression and colour with gold and […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Kwanyu ( Chin. Kwan Yu ), the celebrated warrior who was deified in 1591 as Kwan Ti, the God of War. Shows the warrior standing on a partially submerged boat, far right, with his long black beard and carrying a huge halberd overlooking the river battle with the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A rare triptych showing fireworks over Ryogoku bridge with numerous pleasure boats negotiating the huge trestles of the bridge. A fine design published 1847 – 50 by Sanoki. Very fine impression. Pristine colour and condition. Totally untrimmed and with deluxe double-printed red. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Okudera Kouemon Fujiwara Hidetomi ( number 7 ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Fujikawa from the so-called “Upright Tokaido.” One of the two snow scenes from the set. Shows travelers coming and going at the edge of the village. Published by Tsutaya, Hare 7, 1855. Very good impression with woodgrain evident in the sky. Very good condition with full margins. Signed […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Muramatsu Sandayu Fujiwara Takano ( number 46 ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. Originally a fishmonger (hence the go Totoya). Studied painting under Kano Yosen’in and then became one of Hokusai’s best pupils. Produced excellent surimono such as here showing a sumptuously attired courtesan representing Kyoto from a set of three surimono Sangoku-shi no toen ketsugi, a History of the Three […]
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786 [?]-1868)
Click here to view image full size. An uncut vertical surimono diptych showing two young women in court finery from the Heian period (794-1185). This being considered the finest and most cultured period in Japanese history. One stands on a balcony, the other on steps leading to the balcony overlooking a flowering cherry tree. Extremely […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare set of hosoban designs: Pictures of Various Women of imperial Japan. Shows, on the left, Princess Joruri – the lover of Yoshitsune. On the right Suke no Tsubone, the wet-nurse of the child Emperor Antoku who both drowned at the battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Numazu from the Upright Tokaido, Gojusan tsugi meisho zue. Published by Tsutaya, 1855. The old adage that familiarity breeds contempt certainly applies to this set, which was reprinted many times. Early printings, as here, enable us to appreciate this underrated set. One of the two snow scenes from […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shows station Wada in heavy snow from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi. 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). This high pass (1651 metres) was […]
Utagawa TOYOHARU (1735-1814)
Click here to view image full size. The founder of the Utagawa school who had, amongst others, Toyohiro and Toyokuni as his pupils. Although not the first to use western conventions of linear perspective, he was the first to employ them extensively and in full colour and had obviously studied engravings from Holland, Germany and […]
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (c1764-1823)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono still life showing two handscrolls, a small screen, a branch of coral, a branch of plum blossom and two seals. (Coral and plum blossom are associated with the new year.) One of the seals has a tiger on top, possibly indicating this surimono was issued for […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
Click here to view image full size. Shinbashi station from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875. The station was opened in 1872. Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
Click here to view image full size. A train passing beneath a bridge at Shinagawa from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875 Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
Click here to view image full size. A train at Kawasaki from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875. Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
Click here to view image full size. A train at Kanagawa station, Yokohama from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875. Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the role of Soga no Goro holding a print of the shichifukujin in the takarabune. A parody of the Yanone no Goro story: Yanone means “arrowhead” and is one of the eighteen famous plays in the Danjuro canon, belonging […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. Prince Genji being poled in a punt on a lake. From a set of such triptychs published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1853. Furyu Genji fune asobi, “Fashionable Genji Enjoying a Pleasure Boat.” Very fine impression and colour. Slightly trimmed at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. Minamoto no Yoshitsune, on the right holding a large bow, and Benkei, in the centre, face a large white dragon which emerges amongst lightning bolts from the Koromo River at the battle of Takadachi in 1187. Bunji sannen Oshu Takadachi kassen Koromogawa yori hakuryu ten e noboru. Published […]